Two Indigenous men currently in prison in Western Australia have had their work selected from a highly competitive field to be displayed in a prominent exhibition of works by Aboriginal artists.

The 2023 Revealed Exhibition will see give artworks from two prisoners as part of their showcase of new and emerging WA Aboriginal artists.

The exhibition opened Saturday, May 6 at the Fremantle Arts Centre.

Aboriginal art centres and individuals from all over WA participate in the 11-week exhibition, which draws thousands of people for the opportunity to engage with the artists and purchase their work.

Noongar and Nhanda visual arts curator Glenn Iseger-Pilkington was one of the industry experts who selected the artworks to be displayed.

Iseger-Pilkington said the creativity which has come through from both prisoners is distinguishing.

"I think there was a freedom in both of the artists' work," he said.

"There was a sense of being a space for them to dream and to think about Country and community.

"It's really great to see rich, dynamic and an interesting work coming out of the prison system."

The problems in WA's prisons, including deaths in custody and mental health issues, have come under renewed scrutiny in recent times.

An inquest is being conducted this week into the death of 19 year-old Noongar and Wirlomin man, Stanley Inman Jnr, in Acacia Prison in 2020.

One of the prisoners whose paintings were chosen said their art provided an escape from day-to-day life.

"I see the past and the present reflected in my artwork," he said.

The other prisoner artist said they only took up art later in life but has found a connection to his Country through the paint brush.

"Painting gives me some peace, some calm," they said.

"I believe I'm reconnecting and honouring my ancestors in my Country."

The 2023 Revealed Exhibition will run 10am until 5pm from Fremantle Arts Centre until July 23, 2023.