A couple new art exhibits at gallery in Brandon are going to give the public a glimpse into the artistic minds behind bars.

Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (AGSM) is hosting two exhibitions featuring drawings that provide insight into how inmates maintain their self-worth while incarcerated.

One of the exhibitions will feature multiple works from Brandon Correctional Centre inmate Edward Southwind and the other will feature a collection of this year's annual inmate art contest sponsored by the Manitoba Multifaith Council and the John Howard Society. 

AGSM Art Educator and exhibit Curator Chris Cooper says it's a unique experience. 

"Artwork is important for us to see and look at and it helps us to open our minds and imaginations," said Cooper. "In doing that it helps us see the world through another person's eyes and that helps us to better understand culture and other people and that creates a more passionate and understanding community." 

"Seeing work by people from all walks of life who have been though all kinds of things allows the audience to connect with them," she continued. 

The gallery's executive director, John Hampton, says the artists have limited access to materials so there is some real rawness to some of the work.

"You can still see the talent that is there and that human need to create and express oneself," said Cooper. "Going into jail, sometimes a person's identity is taken away from them so this is a chance for them to be who they are, express themselves and maintain some of that identity."

The exhibit will be on display at AGSM until Sept. 2, 2017. 

For more information, visit agsm.ca.

 

 

"Life and Death" by Edward Southwind (Submitted by AGSM)

 

"A Way Out" (Submitted by AGSM)

 

"Blessings from my Dignity" (Submitted by AGSM)