SARAH MAYHEW finds a new exhibition of art for Bullingdon Prison inspiring.

UNITING and inspiring people through creativity, Modern Art Oxford is currently playing host to a new, inspirational, community focused exhibition in their café.

Joining forces with Oxford & Cherwell Valley College and Bullingdon Community Prison, Modern Art Oxford displays how, through the power of art, a love for learning can contribute towards unlocking potential and releasing success.

Bullingdon Community Prison, Bicester, is an adult male training prison servicing the Thames Valley.

London based company, Clifford Tee & Gale Architects and Surveyors, are currently working on the design of a new wing for the prison, and in an attempt to draw on the positive effects of the vision and creativity of young people in the local area, called upon the talents of students in the art, design and photography department at Oxford & Cherwell Valley College to design a permanent wall-based work of art.

The theme for this commission has been taken from the prison motto ‘Unlocking Potential, Releasing Success’.

According to Nigel Atkinson, deputy governor at Bullingdon: “We were looking for artworks that would provide ideas about the future that are positive, offer a symbol of hope and are a civilising influence to prisoners, being meaningful and aesthetically pleasing.”

Engaging the imagination of many of the students at Oxford & Cherwell Valley College, the competition attracted more than 60 entries, and of these, three of the most outstanding proposals have been shortlisted.

Currently available to view at Modern Art Oxford the shortlisted artists include, inset top, from left, Cat Spring, an Art & Design Foundation student from Banbury, Jack Eden, a Year 1 National Diploma Art & Design student from Oxford, and Chloe Bunce, a Year 2 National Diploma Art & Design student, also from Oxford.

Aiming to enhance the physical and mental environment of all those at Bullingdon Prison, Spring’s proposal is for a vibrant yet contemplative mixed media, tactile work. Her four square canvases, main image, symbolize the four seasons, reflecting life and nature.

Eden’s strong, celebratory, arresting proposal of inner strength and determination, comprises many powerful horizontal black lines gradually breaking away from the controlling lime-green core and vertical dominating lines within the composition, bottom right.

Bunce’s proposal comprises a bright, up-lifting, yet relaxing palette. Inspired by the natural world, Bunce, pictured at work, inset, has drawn upon her research into the psychology of colour, and accessibility to artwork borne out of studies of street art.

An incredible opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of those in need of inspiration and a new direction, each budding young artist will be awarded £1,000 to realise their work on a larger scale.

Cat Spring said: “I was excited and inspired by the Bullingdon project from the moment I saw the brief. I’m a passionate believer in the diversely beneficial nature of art.”

The winning designs and nine other short-listed entries are on display in Modern Art Oxford’s Café until 4 May 2009. The other shortlisted artists are: Will Bennett, Charles Burdett, Victoria Frazer, Natasha Gush, David Hankey, Jade Hawkins, Bethany McInroy, Rose Oliver and Stuart Wiggins.

l Modern Art Oxford, 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP, 01865 722 733 www.modernartoxford.org.uk Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm, Closed Mondays. Admission Free.