Soul Journey to Truth
A Koestler Arts exhibition for the North West of England
HOME, Manchester, as part of the Ripples of Hope Festival
17 May – 6 June 2021
Curated by Lady Unchained
Soul Journey to Truth was an exhibition that shone a light on the creative talent within prisons, secure settings, and people on probation in the North West of England.
The exhibition shared a selection of fragile and powerful stories through artwork from the 2020 Koestler Awards. Many of the pieces on display were created during the pandemic.
Lady Unchained (Brenda Birungi) carefully curated the exhibition. It showcased over 135 artworks ranging from drawings, paintings, to writing and music. All the artwork was entered into the 2020 Koestler Awards, our annual scheme to promote artistic achievement in the criminal justice system.
Soul Journey to Truth took its title from the word Sojourner, meaning a person who resides temporarily in a place, and from Sojourner Truth (b.1797 – 1883). Truth was a Black American abolitionist and women’s rights activist who was born into slavery in New York. She escaped to freedom in 1826.
The exhibition was divided into themes of self-reflection, nature, animals, and a dedication to Black History. Visitors could explore art that imagines hopeful futures and reflects diverse voices.
Meet the Curator: Lady Unchained
Lady Unchained is an acclaimed London-based performance artist and poet. She is the Founder and Creative Director of Unchained Poetry, an artistic platform for artists with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
Her mission is to prove that there is life after prison and challenge the ‘ex-offender’ label through creativity.
In the lead up to the exhibition, Bren O’Callaghan from Manchester’s HOME sat down to chat with Lady Unchained to find out what the exhibition means to her.
About HOME and Ripples of Hope Festival
HOME is Manchester’s centre for international contemporary culture. Since opening in 2015, HOME has welcomed over 2.9 million visitors to see thrilling theatre and dance shows, experience great independent films from across the world, dive into the new art in the galleries, relax in the café and browse the bookshop.
Ripples of Hope Festival celebrates the power of people to make human rights a reality for all. Launched in May 2021 with this exhibition, the festival takes place on 15-19 September 2021 at HOME and with Feasts of Hope in Greater Manchester. Presented by Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.
Online Gallery
Click on the thumbnails below to explore the different sections of the exhibition.
Please note that this exhibition contains adult themes and language which some may find distressing – parental discretion is therefore advised for younger audiences.