Artwork produced by Aboriginal prisoners in Western Australian detention is being displayed by the Department of Justice to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
Director General of the Department, Adam Tomison said the theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week was Heal Country!, with Country being a central part of the cultural health and wellbeing for First Nations People.
The collection of paintings is on display at the David Malcolm Justice Centre and brings together the talent of prisoners from a range of diverse cultural groups.
The works feature elements of landscape, flora and fauna from the artists’ Country and represents sites of significance, connection to Country and stories of the Dreaming.
Dr Tomison said three large-scale pieces were commissioned by the Department to adorn the entrances of the David Malcolm Justice Centre, Gordon Stephenson House and Westralia Square.
“They showcase the Department’s successful art education program which plays a role in reconnecting Aboriginal prisoners with their cultural identity as part of the rehabilitative process,” Dr Tomison said.
‘This display demonstrates the transformative and rehabilitative value art offers to those in our care.”
The Director General said he hoped everyone, when viewing the artworks, would take time to reflect on the stories being told through this visual display.
“Art supports skill development and builds confidence, which has resulted in many prisoners re-engaging with wider education and vocational training programs,” Dr Tomison said.
