Peterborough exhibit asks: What would a world without prisons look like?

Central East Correctional Centreis the name of a medium/maximum security prison colloquially known as the "Lindsay Super Jail."Located in Lindsay, Ont.,the prison is contracted by the Canada Border Service Agency to act as a holding centre for immigration.

Forty-five minutes west of the facility atPeterborough'sArtspacegallery, artistSheenaHoszkowill be presenting an exhibit that shares the prison's name and explores its possible implications.Through minimalist sculpture installation, drawings and text,Hoszkois inviting viewers to ask themselves: What would a world without prisons look like?

"Whetherpeople are on immigration hold, serving asentence inside, or on parole, it'sclear the prison system is a failure. It only breakspeople down and fractures communities, all the while making lots of money for the companies involved," Hoszkotells CBC Arts. "Visual language and aesthetics are important to me. I work in aspecific minimalist sculpturalcontext where the impact of scale on the body is the focus. Idon'tbelieve apoliticalart exists, and I think it's an artist'sresponsibilityto situate theirworkwithinpower structures."

In addition her own work, Hoszko's exhibition which opens tonight and runs until February 25will include testimonials and art from those currently detained at the "Super Jail."

"The guys who have sent testimonials and poetry for the show from inside Lindsay arelookingforward topeoplereading their thoughts and words," Hoszkosays."Many have been on strike protesting their conditions since 2013."

You can read more about their strugglesthrough the End Immigration Detention Network, which is collaborating with Hoszko and Artspace to put on the exhibitionThere is also a letter writing station withinwhere visitors can write to the detainees.

Central East Correctional Centre bySheenaHozko. January 15 toFebruary 25 at Artspace, 378 Aylmer Street North,Peterborough.