A UNIQUE and fascinating insight into the artistic and creative mind of a prisoner on death row is making its way thousands of miles across the Atlantic for a thought-provoking exhibition in Bridport.

Who Decides is part of a series of exhibitions for Art for Amicus, a legal charity that fights for justice on US death rows. Artists Isabelle Watson and Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Reams, who is currently on death row, will show over 50 works of art from pencil drawings, acrylic paintings and several installations from Saturday, October 22 to Thursday, November 24 at Bridport Arts Centre.

Kenny has been on death row in Arkansas since 1993 for a crime committed when he was 18. He has created pieces specifically about the practice and history of capital punishment in the US.

The aim of his exhibition and of Art for Amicus is to highlight the importance of art to those in difficult circumstances; and to raise awareness of the human rights issues surrounding the use of the death penalty.

Bringing Kenny’s message and art to the UK was the brainchild of barrister Samantha Knights from Shute.

She first met Kenny in 2000. Her work on his legal case culminated with a prison visit to Kenny.

Contact with Kenny continued after Samantha returned home and she began to send Kenny art materials. Sometimes he was allowed them, sometimes and often, they were disallowed by the prison.

In 2014, Kenny had his first exhibition in Arkansas. From there, Samantha suggested a UK exhibition and two years later, Kenny’s art is making its way across the pond.

Samantha said: “Through the medium of art it is hoped that people will reflect on issues of crime and punishment not just as it is carried out in the US but also more generally.

“That is what Kenny hopes to achieve through this exhibition.”

n A free special panel discussion on Saturday, October 22 at 2pm at the arts centre between Samantha Knight, Margot Ravenscroft – director of Amicus and local artist Ricky Romain will explore detention and the death penalty at the start of the exhibition.

Who Decides, is at Bridport Arts Centre from October 22 until November 24 and is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday.