Art at HMP Grendon, the second exhibition of the prisoners’ artwork, was organised by the men themselves under the supervision of Edmund Clark. Over 50 invited artists, curators, writers and other interested guests headed to the conference centre of the prison to meet the inmates and discuss their art on what has become an important day in the calendar of the prison. One of the prisoners, Gavin, had this to say:
“Had a really great day! It’s always great to meet people from outside the prison who have an interest in the prison and myself, not my offense. This is one of the few days in the year when I feel totally human, sharing my interests, influences and experiences with others, and the same things being reciprocated. You have no idea how much such days can reinvigorate the soul, especially here at Grendon. Exchanging ideas and thoughts with people who are knowledgeable in the arts really gives you a sense that they too experience the same things in art, either mine, theirs or others. It is also great to see so much talent on show. This encourages me to try harder to achieve results similar to others.”
