John, a 75-year-old Aboriginal inmate at Sydney's Long Bay Correctional Complex, utilizes art for comfort and connection during his sentence. He draws inspiration from nature, often depicting animals such as emus and kangaroos, with each piece typically taking two weeks to complete.
John learned painting from other artists before his incarceration and now assists other Aboriginal inmates with their artwork. The paintings feature both traditional ochre and brighter colors.
Artworks created by John and other Aboriginal inmates have been purchased by the Department of Communities and Justice for $12,000 through the Boom Gate Gallery. This gallery, part of the Long Bay Correctional Complex, enables the public to purchase inmate art. Inmates receive 75 percent of the proceeds, with the remaining 25 percent covering gallery operating costs. Inmates can access these funds while imprisoned, send money to family, or use it to acquire art supplies.
A total of sixteen artworks were acquired by the department and are displayed at Sydney's Downing Centre courthouse complex, following recent flood-related renovations. John expressed pride in the appreciation for his work.
Craig Raymond, a psychologist and Wiradjuri man at the Long Bay Correctional Complex, stated that painting can facilitate a connection between Indigenous inmates and their families or communities. He noted that Indigenous individuals, who tend to be more collective, may be more significantly impacted by separation from their communities than non-Indigenous individuals.
Raymond referenced the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing model, which highlights the importance of connection to body, mind, emotions, family, kinship, community, culture, country, spirit, and ancestries. He asserted that providing Indigenous inmates with opportunities for artistic expression helps address these needs.
Raymond views Aboriginal artwork in prison as a preventative measure rather than a privilege. He indicated that it reduces harm, promotes calm, provides links to family and culture, and can offer benefits post-release, potentially enabling individuals to continue as artists. He also stated that Indigenous inmate artwork contributes to 'closing the gap' initiatives, suggesting that culture, including artwork, should be central to rehabilitation efforts.
Displaying artwork created in custody, with proceeds benefiting the artists, in institutions like the Downing Centre, conveys a message of recognition and respect to the Indigenous community. Raymond noted this reflects an emerging commitment to recognition and respect. He highlighted the disproportionate representation of Indigenous Australians in the prison population, which stands at 30 to 40 percent, compared to their 3.8 percent share of the general population.