Gallery Opening: Mark Flewell-Smith

Mark Flewell-Smith learnt to paint and draw inside the cells of Boggo Rd prison in the corrupt era of "Sir Joe" in the 1980s. His works explore themes of state inflicted violence, power, and the impact these people and systems have over how we interact, and see ourselves. His works capture complex themes that can be difficult to discuss, challenging us to question what we are told, and reject conclusions that stifle critical thinking to inspire more division and violence. Mark has worked as a tour guide at Boggo Road, walking paying customers through what remains of the yards that once held him prisoner, and played the role of a prison guard in The Chat, a production at La Boite theatre. He specializes in portraits and murals, but lends his hand to a variety of mediums including charcoal, ink and pencil.