Unheard Voices

KITH & KINSHIP: UNHEARD VOICES

“…after all, we are all the victors, or victims, of life’s experience….” – Norman Cornish

Unheard Voices is a collaborative project inspired by the thought-provoking exhibition Kith & Kinship: Norman Cornish & L. S. Lowry. The evocative works of two Northern artists depict the vivid realities of Cornish’s Spennymoor life and Lowry’s industrial views. Both artists had a deep understanding of humanity and this connection to honesty, reality and expression resonated deeply unspoken experiences of those living within the walls of HMP Deerbolt today.

Through creative workshops, poetry, in-depth exploration and discussion, participants have responded to ideas of community, identity, and place. Guided by the learners’ own reflections, Unheard Voices has allowed 32 young adults impacted by the justice system to reshape the conversation about them through these iconic works, offering new and personal interpretations.

Alongside artist practitioner Jonah York, 32 young men from HMP Deerbolt worked to create a zine. In their words, it captures “the voices people choose not to hear” and offers a positive and constructive platform to engage with their peers, families and the wider community.

“I’ve not just seen these paintings but I’ve lived in them” – HMP Deerbolt Learner

Through this project, The Bowes Museum is providing a platform for voices of today to resonate with the art of the past, creating a narrative around place, hope and aspiration.