KARACHI: If you really want to know what goes behind bars, Artpeace exhibition is a must-see this week.

Opened on Saturday at the ArtCiti gallery, Artpeace exhibits 112 paintings by 13 convicts of the Central Prison Fine Arts School.

From oil on canvas to watercolour and charcoal, it is striking to see a wide range of subjects and techniques used by these inmates. While some oeuvres show naïve musings of the prisoners, others can give some renowned artists a run for their money.

Kazim’s vibrant, Picassoesque compositions are impressive and show unmistakable finesse, while Hasnain’s subject — a young girl crying with her face buried in her lap — has a much more personal touch and speaks volumes of the memories he has of his loved ones.

Faraz takes calligraphy to another level with his stark geometric strokes and the fact that he chose to keep his canvas monochrome enhances its effect.

Samar’s childlike handprints, fused with bizarre splotches of paint thrown directly from the tube, tells his story of mixed emotions. Two teardrop-like shapes with a completely different treatment and his choice of a warm colour pallet somehow give it a sense of completeness.

Kudos to those who have worked hard to make the art school a success. They have not only taught them how to freely use their imagination, but have given them a skill to pursue as a career.

Pencil on paper by Hasnain. – Photo by author

Started in 2007 by inspector general of police, prisons, Sindh, Nusrat Mangan, the art school was formed with the belief that every person has the potential to improve if given a chance.

Since its inception, numerous renowned artists have been visiting the school to contribute and share their knowledge with the inmates.

Sikandar Jogi, a graduate from the Central Institute of Arts and Crafts, Karachi, who has been teaching these inmates for the past eight years, says: “I have taught them [the inmates] how to hold a pencil, how to sharpen it. We’ve polished them with a lot of love and care.”

He said that initially the prison management provided the funds for art supplies, but over time, as the inmates improved their skills, exhibitions were organised to raise money.

Sikandar explains how art has changed the behaviour of these inmates.

“It [art] has changed their way of thinking and speaking. If you meet them, you won’t feel that they’re prisoners. Art has given them a sense of freedom.”

A lot of efforts have been put into creating a proper atmosphere for the inmates to learn.

“We’ve given the art school a ‘university’ feel,” says Sikandar. “We even have a library inside the prison with about 250 books on art and, other than fine art, we also give them training in music and theatre.

“Normally, if a few people work together, you tend to notice a similarity in their style,” he elucidates. “But we have about 30 to 35 students painting together and they all have their own, unique styles.”

The exhibition will run till Tuesday, with the artists’ works on sale at affordable prices. All proceeds from the sales will go to the incarcerated artists.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2015

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