Bread for the World: First Impressions - Portraits from Prison

Yesterday's Bread for the World service at St Martin-in-the-Fields reflected on First Impressions - Portraits from Prison and shared information on the Prisons Mission of Churches Together in Westminster. I shared the following reflections: 

Portraits are about people and portraits by prisoners flag up that the importance of people in our lives is perhaps never more significant than when we are cut off from those we love or when we are locked up with those we have not chosen as our companions. As a result, when viewing these portraits, it is helpful to ask yourself why each person depicted is of significance to the artist painting that subject.



‘Wishful Thinking’ is a set of six images inspired by the screen-prints of Andy Warhol. Michael cleverly demonstrates his knowledge of modern art as the background to each image uses a different artistic style. The image of a woman is constant with the same phrase ‘I’ll wait for you my love!’ repeated in different languages. This suggests that all around the world couples are separated through the experience of imprisonment. However, this is then subverted by the title Michael has chosen; ‘Wishful Thinking’ suggests that partners’ willingness to wait may not be as universal as the images themselves suggest. Does this indicate personal experience of disappointment or cynicism about fidelity and perseverance? We don’t know, but we do know that Michael subtly opens up reflections on the tensions placed on relationships by the experience of imprisonment.



With ‘Shout it out’ Mary has created a simple but arresting image of the need for and necessity of offloading feelings and emotions in order to survive the experience of imprisonment. Who is the woman in the picture offloading to? It is each of us, as we view the image. So, this is perhaps an image highlighting the value of the Prisons Mission and of prison visiting generally, as we can be a neutral person who can listen confidentially.

Finally, ‘A head full of possibilities’ is a beautiful image of a head containing a constellation of stars with the thought that each of us can and should choose to shine brilliantly, however we can. This exhibition, and the stories told by the artists, demonstrate the genuinely restorative ability of art in enabling people to express their innermost emotions and channel these to creative ends.

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The Band - I Shall Be Released.