4661 m2

_Wall design by artist collective in new building of the Lenzburg Prison
_Granting of artistic freedom by the client
_Documentation of artistic work
_Interviews with the artists

Surrounded by walls, gray intertwines with gray, and everywhere, concrete. Things are different in Lenzburg in the canton of Aargau: Between autumn 2012 and spring 2014, well-known street artists from Switzerland designed 4,661 square meters of wall space in the local prison. They were free to choose what they wanted to paint or spray. Over 25,000 hours of work involved 1,400 spray cans and 200 liters of paint: a barren, cold concrete bunker was transformed into a vibrant and unique work of art.

This impressive and touching art, located in the eight courtyards, five walkways, a stairwell, and two oversized exterior walls, remains locked, like the inmates themselves, behind the heavily guarded gates and walls of the prison. The murals and graffiti are made accessible to the public in this art book. In addition to presenting the art, this 4,661 m2 exhibition provides insights into the work processes and also allows the 16 participating artists to speak.