Sydney Court Displays Art by Aboriginal Inmates

A 75-year-old Aboriginal man named John sits in his cell at Sydney's Long Bay Correctional Complex, far from the goannas, kangaroos, and emus of his homeland. But with each brushstroke on canvas, he finds his way back.

"It relaxes me thinking about my hometown and my country where I come from," John said. "It does take you back to being home."

John's artwork, along with pieces by other Aboriginal inmates, recently found a permanent home in an unexpected place. Sydney's Downing Centre courthouse purchased 16 paintings for $12,000 through the prison's Boom Gate Gallery, displaying them as part of recent renovations.

The gallery allows inmates to set their own prices with staff guidance. Artists receive 75 percent of proceeds, which they can use while imprisoned, send to family, or invest in their next canvas.

For John, each painting takes about two weeks to complete. He focuses on the wildlife he misses most: emus, kangaroos, brolgas, magpies, koalas, and cockatoos rendered in traditional ochre and brighter hues.

The artwork does more than decorate courthouse walls. It builds bridges between inmates and their communities during one of life's hardest separations.

"Indigenous people tend to be more collective over individualistic in nature, so for an Indigenous person who is away from their mob and their community, it can impact them more," said Craig Raymond, a Wiradjuri psychologist at Long Bay.

The Ripple Effect

Raymond sees the program as essential rehabilitation, not privilege. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing model emphasizes connection to body, mind, emotions, family, community, culture, country, and spirit.

"Aboriginal artwork in prison is not a privilege, it's a prevention," Raymond explained. "It reduces harm, it calms people down, it gives them that link to family and to culture."

The impact extends beyond individual wellness. With Aboriginal people representing 3.8 percent of Australia's population but 30 to 40 percent of prisoners, cultural connection becomes crucial to addressing systemic problems.

Displaying inmate artwork in prestigious institutions like courthouses sends a powerful message. "It tells them all those historical factors of being excluded, and racism and discrimination, and all the negative effects of colonisation, they are changing in 2026," Raymond said.

John shares his painting knowledge with other inmates who want to learn. They discuss color choices and techniques, creating community within prison walls.

"They sell my work for me and give me something to look forward to when I get out," John said, his pride evident in knowing people appreciate what he creates.