The commission for the new closed prison in Sdr. Omme is centered around the healing potential of art. Art acts as a generator in mental and social processes and contributes to development and well-being in everyday life. The presence of art in the prison opens up other perspectives and creates real change in the form of a better, more positive environment.
A prison is a place where the users, inmates and employees, stay for long periods of time. The artworks spread over large parts of the area, so art becomes an integral part of daily life. The stories in the works are open and can be connected to each other, so that the works can be viewed over many years and still give off something new.
The energy of the prison is activated with visual stimulation, humor and depth, and the community house is emphasized as the spiritual heart of the place as a counterweight to all the heavy things that are in a prison.
The prison is seen as a coherent organism that is decorated with drawings and patterns and where the community house breathes with pulsing LED-light.
The artworks are organized as a continuous flow with impact on selected locations: In front of the gate building, perforated metal on the playground, the entrance areas of the residential buildings, the community house’s facade, roof and window section.
Production of a coloring book with the motifs of the decoration as a gift for visiting children.
The materials are graphic concrete, brass plates with LED light, ceramic bricks and handmade glass.

The special tiles for the circles in front of the prison are produced in collaboration with Hagemeister Brickworks and Steffensten.
The glass is produced at Hebsgaard Glaskunst.
The brass stone is produced at Broncestøberiet Peter Jensen.
The brass lamps are produced at Louis Poulsen.
The glowing wave on the facade is produced at Lysiplex.

Visualisations by Alex Poulsen Arkiekter / Hesselholdt & Mejlvang.