Written, directed, and produced by Alex Siddons, Netflix’s ‘The Artwork of Incarceration’ is a documentary that may fairly frankly solely be described as equal components gripping in addition to empowering. That’s as a result of it revolves round Indigenous Australian offenders and ex-offenders as they take up a artistic path in an try to not solely break their cycle but in addition reconnect with their tradition. Amongst them was the inspiring Robby Wirramanda, who really even served as a co-producer and co-writer on this movie — so now, for those who want to be taught extra about him, we’ve received the particulars for you.
Who is Robby Wirramanda?
As a proud Aboriginal native with Wergaia, Wamba Wamba, Barapa Barapa, Wadi Wadi, Nyeri Nyeri, and Dhudhuroa blood in his veins, Robby Wirramanda is basically a logo of hope. Though he’d first stepped on the mistaken aspect of the legislation at 7, had begun utilizing medicine at 12, after which distributed them to such an extent he landed a 6½-year jail sentence, he regularly managed to show issues round. It was reportedly again in 2014 that he signed up for The Torch program whereas incarcerated, all as a result of he had realized he wished to be extra for himself in addition to his household.
The reality is that The Torch didn’t maintain exhibitions to promote the convicts’ items at the time, but it didn’t make a distinction to Robby since his curiosity in it was owing to the nostalgic, artistic issue. His grandmother had ensured to move on her data of artwork/tradition to him when he was only a youngster, and he merely fell again into these passions throughout his sentence, of which he seemingly solely served 4 years. It was thus his knack for portray, pictures, carving, ceramics, and music — impressed by his private experiences — that performed an important position in pulling him out of a lifetime of substance abuse.
Where is Robby Wirramanda Now?
Robby’s journey in the direction of a sober, crime-free existence wasn’t straightforward; it was the results of onerous work with the assist of a sound assist system, which is why his purpose quickly grew to become to information others as nicely. “I dove into my issues…,” he stated in the documentary. “For me, I needed to go proper again to the begin, then begin adressing all the points…, pivotal factors in my life the place sure issues made me assume or really feel or act a sure means. Every time I dove in, it’s painful. You don’t wish to cope with it, however you’ll be able to’t get out. You must keep there till it’s mounted. It’s as much as you. That’s the solely means you’re going to repair them.”
As for his present whereabouts, Robby had returned to his homeland of Wergaia nation following his stint behind bars, and it looks as if he’s now totally based mostly in Chinkapook. Extra importantly, we must always point out that when it was clear he’d modified for good, a number of doorways opened for him, beginning along with his paintings being bought or licensed, after which him touchdown the put up of a Torch Arts Officer. The latter was really a major milestone as a result of he was the first participant of the program to be employed by the group, all the whereas he continued his work as an artist.
Due to this fact, at the moment, Robby is not solely a painter, sculptor, and carver, however he’s additionally a singer-songwriter in addition to a storyteller whose artistic vocation is his satisfaction, pleasure, and honor, as evidenced by his continuity in the area. From what we will inform, he has bought round 60 items by The Torch, has licensed roughly 15 extra, and presently has a couple of further works accessible on the market at each The Torch’s gallery and Artsy. As if that’s not sufficient, he even hopes to determine the Walpa Winaka Basis to supply culturally acceptable options to Indigenous Australians’ imprisonment. Robby’s life accomplice Jackie and their kids are on the creative aspect as nicely.
Learn Extra: Where is Indigenous Artist Christopher Austin Now?
