From being scared, unsure and labelled to finally feeling optimistic, insightful and driven, Jane* experienced a cycle of emotions while serving her one-year sentence at Corradino Correctional Facility.
The fear that gnawed at her mind, the anger that tore her soul and the optimism that ultimately brightened her horizon are reflected in a series of artworks being displayed today at Valletta’s St James Cavalier, alongside other pieces produced by the residents of the Young Offenders Unit Rehabilitation Services (YOURS).
The Pass the Parcel exhibition was coordinated by the Fondazzjoni Ċentru Għall-Kreattività and Premju tal-President Għall-Kreattività.
“It was the first time I’ve ever held a paintbrush in my hand,” Jane, 45, said as she applied the finishing touches to her artwork.
“At the beginning I was rather insecure. I had never done anything artistic in my life before. Thanks to the patience of Olivia Deguara and Carmen Aquilina [the project coordinators], I discovered a new talent,” she smiled proudly.
It tries to put you, and place you, and peg you. Shove you into a makeshift box
Her five pieces of art are set against the green and salmon colour scheme that dominates prison.
The first two circular media feature the words ‘scared, unsure, labelled’ and ‘angry, insecurity, lonely’. Jane explained that, at the beginning of her jail term, she feared she would be labelled for life. She also felt very isolated.
The next set features the words ‘unity, compromise, control’ and ‘eager, reflection, limitation’. Living with other inmates required unity and compromise, while self-control had to be practised.
Those emotions then gave way to a sense of eagerness to leave, a process of reflection over her actions and learning what her limitations were.
“In a way, the place becomes a sort of safety zone because you’re tucked away from society. But prison gives you a lot of time to think and reflect.”
Now, as she nears the end of her sentence, Jane is filled with optimism, insight and the drive to put the past behind and forge a better future.
Rudwan Hijazi is also putting his talents to good use. The 20-year-old, who has just completed a two-year stint at YOURS, has put pen to wall to write his message in charcoal lettering.
“I love words. That’s how I express myself artistically. I also like to pen songs. I pour my emotion into them.”
His lines are raw and expressive. They reflect the values he acquired, honesty and respect, as well as the importance of thinking things through properly and being aware of the consequences before acting.
*Names have been changed to protect the person’s identity.