The exhibition is located on the inside of the wire netting fence at Oslo Prison. Entrance to it is in Åkebergveien.

In connection with presentation of the new government white paper on crime, photographer Fin Serck-Hanssen was invited by the Norwegian Ministry of Justice to take photos inside norwegian prisons. Besides Oslo Prison he has visited seven other prisons to photograph inmates, buildings and other motives. The pictures are now displayed inside the walls of Oslo Prison. But the exhibition has limited availability – you have exactly six hours, spread over three Sundays, to experience it!

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Text and photo: Knut-Erik Rønningen, published 03.10.08.

The exhibition consists of a total of 19 large photos printed on aluminium plates. The pictures will hang at Oslo Prison for the rest of the month and will then be shown in other parts of the country. It is rumored there are already plans to purchase four of the pictures by the National Gallery in Oslo. The exhibition was reviewed by Truls Ramberg in the norwegian daily newspaper ’Aftenposten’ last Sunday. The review includes the comment: "The exhibition works which arouse the strongest impression are the portraits. Their strength is that they can challenge peoples’ conception of what type of people are living in norwegian prisons.

Not only positive
Ramberg is not only positive in his review, he points to the fact that there should be more effective attempts to counteract the spread of prejudice towards inmates and prison life in the series. Commenting o none particular motive, he writes:"The work exemplifies how pretentious, Hollywood inspired films of prison life also form an important element in the series".

Rare occasion
But Truls Ramberg recommends, nontheless, a visit: "The positioning of the exhibition inside the walls of Oslo Prison provides an interesting experience. The isolation from known surroundings, just a stone-throw away, provides a rare occasion to get an impression of how life as an inmate must be, even through a short visit".

The exhibition is open to the public from 12:30 until 14:30 on Sunday 5. 12. and 19. October.

Read more about the artist at: www.serck.no.