Art after prison: ex-Pollsmoor inmates tell their stories
ex-Pollsmoor prisoners, including some former gang members, are using art to navigate life after prison.
In this video, Enrico Samuels, 57, Michael Sauls, 38, and Kleinbooi Hendricks, 57, speak candidly about the circumstances and crimes that led to their imprisonment, and how art has helped them change the trajectory of their lives.
For some, painting in prison allowed them to isolate themselves from gang influences and activities, as well as earn money for essentials.
Since their release, the former prisoners have been working with retired warder Brandon Verrooi, who started Pollsmoor’s art programme, and Dr Suzette Leal, who facilitated a narrative therapy course at the prison to use their artwork to depict the realities of prison life.
These images will be published in a book by Words Set Free, titled Captured. Some of their artworks can be found at the Goodwood Art Gallery situated at the Goodwood prison in Cape Town.
Find out more about Words Set Free.
Credits
- Producing
- Shakirah Thebus
- Camera
- Ashraf Hendricks
- Sound
- Ashraf Hendricks
- Video editing
- Ashraf Hendricks
