Ramchander Nath Foundation, a non government organistion, and Ojas Art in collaboration with Delhi Prisons hosted an exhibition of paintings made by inmates of Tihar Central Jail at the India Islamic Cultural Center here on Friday.

The Foundation is engaged in thought-provoking programmes involving marginalized societies. Through the “Expressions at Tihar” exhibition, it intended to offer a real glimpse of prisons to mainstream society. Twenty paintings in oil, acrylics, charcoal and pencil were part of the exhibition.

“Since 2007 we have been providing training in art within the prison premises. Leading contemporary artists have visited the jail premises to interact with inmates. They have helped inmates to explore different art- related career opportunities and to utilise art as a means of therapy,” said Vikas Kapoor, a volunteer with the NGO.

According to Vikas Kapoor, Delhi Prisons Director-General B.K Gupta has been lending a helping hand in social initiative being carried out at Tihar. “Anubhav Nath, founder of Ramchander Nath Foundation, wants to help reform and rehabilitate the inmates through arts,” he adds.

Seeing the positive results of the art therapy, Ramchander Nath Foundation decided to organize an all jail painting competition for the inmates. There was an overwhelming response and the best works were selected by a panel of judges comprising artists Jaganath Panda, Josh P.S. and Ram Rahman. The entire money generated from the sale of the art works will go to individual artist inmates to aid them in their vocational training and rehabilitation.

In August this year there will be a major exhibition curated by Anubhav Nath and Johnny M.L. wherein art works by inmates artists will be displayed alongside works by leading contemporary artists, giving both groups a unique platform.