Prison Life (2002) Valerie has recently embarked on a new project, which she has wanted, to persue for sometime. The opening of a new drugs rehabilitation wing at Swansea Prison gave her the opportunity to have a small view of the prison and talk to some of the prisoners. This was enough to convince her that it was exactly what she wanted to study.
	The governor, Vicky O’Dea was encouraging when approached, and a series of visits to every part of the prison was arranged. Over the last six months she has had total cooperation from both staff and prisoners. This has enabled her to complete the paintings and drawings presented in her latest exhibition at the Attic Gallery in Swansea. “My work this year includes subjects that have fascinated me for years, such as mining, dance, jazz and introduces a new project PRISON LIFE. I have found this interesting, disturbing and in someways very encouraging to see how the human spirit copes with its lot. It leads me to ask many questions about the world in which we live”. Valerie Ganz is a member of the Royal Cambrian Academy.