Koestler Arts at the Supreme Court
Artwork by young people
8 July – 31 October 2022
The Supreme Court, Parliament Square, London
Koestler Arts was pleased to return to the Supreme Court for a public display of artwork by under-18s in the summer of 2022. Every piece on display was created by a young person in a secure setting or under supervision with a youth offending service. Together they provided a glimpse of these artists’ talents, struggles, interests and hopes for the future. There were 29 pieces on display, including poetry, photography, woodwork, drawing, spray paint and collage.
The artwork was displayed inside one of the UK’s most iconic legal settings. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases, and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Court hears cases of the highest important that can affect the whole population.
This Koestler Arts display was kindly supported by The Arts Society from the Patricia Fay Memorial Fund with matching funds from The Arts Society Chiswick.
Online Gallery
View a selection of artwork from the exhibition in the gallery below.
Puzzle Piece
When you feel like that jigsaw piece,That doesn’t quite fit,
Don’t try to change your shape,
Chipping away bit by bit,
Wait until the ones surrounding you,
Fit well around your frame,
And match your edges so much so,
You stand out without shame.
Don’t bend your borders in,
And twist your corners out,
As just for you to be seen,
You shouldn’t have to shout.
An extract from ‘The Struggle’
Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Poetry Collection
2022
Puzzle Piece
Puzzle Piece
An extract from ‘The Struggle’
Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Poetry Collection
2022
A poem about the future
The future is scary and so unpredictable,Especially when in the past things have been so unforgivable.
No one knows what lies in years ahead,
When I spend my time thinking about it brings me dread.
For so many years my future’s been invisible,
I’ve been waiting for the angels to create a miracle.
People say great things happen when you’re older,
But I don’t think I will ever be okay until I get closure.
One of my biggest dreams is to name a star after _ _ _ _ _
Because I was an unlucky one and lost her at a young age.
Thinking about the future knowing people you love are gunna leave,
But then I think of all the great things I want to achieve.
I want to travel the world and achieve great things,
Maybe one day even have annoying little kids.
Go out and discover things people didn’t believe existed,
Prove to people that every dream is realistic.
I want to share my love and appreciation with others,
Be like a rainbow and take the darkness away from them and bring them colour.
I want to show people that there is always a purpose,
Tell people they’re not a burden.
Even though I don’t think it now hopefully one day I will,
Hopefully one day my future will be a possibility and my dreams I’ll fulfill.
Hopefully I can show people that there are reasons to live,
And no matter what, the future is never too big!
Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Poem
2022
A poem about the future
A poem about the future
Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Poem
2022
When does Street Art become Art?
Greenwich Youth Offending Service
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Mixed Media
2022
Untitled II
Ty Llidiard (secure hospital)
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Watercolour and Gouache
2022
TV People
HM Young Offender Institution Cookham Wood
Under 18s Special Award for Painting
2022
Summertime
HM Young Offender Institution Cookham Wood
Under 18s Commended Award for Painting
2022
Reflection
Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Drawing
2022
Taste Buds
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Wetherby
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Themed Category: Taste
2022
Split Personality
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Parc
Under 18s Special Award for Drawing
2022
Sing
HM Young Offender Institution Cookham Wood
Under 18s Commended Award for Portrait
2022
Shark
Dorset Combined Youth Offending Service
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Watercolour and Gouache
2022
Poster Queen Tribute
Good Shepherd Secure Suport Unit
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Portrait
2022
Portrait of Myself
Vinney Green Secure Unit
Under 18s Special Award for Portrait
2022
Playing with Our Shadows
Greenwich Youth Offending Service
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Photography
2022
Overlooked
Greenwich Youth Offending Service
Under 18s Special Award for Woodcraft
2022
Ocean Rain
Aycliffe Secure Centre
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Painting
2022
No Verbal Abuse
HM Young Offender Institution Werrington
Under 18s Special Award for Portrait
2022
My Pet Dolphin
Atkinson Secure Unit
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Painting
2022
Mishka
Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Drawing
2022
Light Within Dark
Greenwich Youth Offending Service
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Mixed Media
2022
Handle with Care: Yin Yang
Greenwich Youth Offending Service
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Photography
2022
Growth
Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Portrait
2022
Expensive Taste
Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Mixed Media
2022
Dragon Fruit
Cygnet Hospital Bury
Under 18s Special Award for Textile Art
2022
Burger
HM Young Offender Institution Feltham
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Drawing
2022
Cave of Souls
Vinney Green Secure Unit
Under 18s Special Award for Painting
2022
Boxing Gloves
HM Young Offender Institution Cookham Wood
Under 18s Special Award for Printmaking
2022
Black Panther
HM Young Offender Institution Werrington
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Drawing
2022
All of My Sunsets
Greenwich Youth Offending Service
Under 18s Highly Commended Award for Photography
2022
