Uplifting our hospital with contemporary artwork
You might have already noticed that we have some newly installed artwork along the Link Bridge and the Outpatients Stairwell.
These two artworks were transferred from The Royal London Hospital in order to provide Whipps Cross with some of the museum-quality artworks enjoyed at our other sites. They were commissioned by Vital Arts, the charitably-funded Arts and Wellbeing Service within Barts Health, and are both by local artists--Zarah Hussain and Bob and Roberta Smith, OBE, RA.
Hussain's work, entitled Cloud 10, consists of several colourful snowflake-like shapes that rise to the top of the stairwell. Her delicate patterns and mathematical forms explore the intersection of spirituality, technology, and visual art. Using the language of geometric abstraction derived from traditional Islamic art, the artist merges two artistic traditions linking Islamic pattern with Western abstract art.
The art that runs throughout the Link Bridge features several wooden panels, each with the scrambled name of a bird. Devised by Bob and Roberta Smith as a joyful puzzle to disentangled, the anagrams invite patients, staff and visitors do a bit of “bird” spotting. A large painting at the centre of the installation, and a shelf holding an ornithological guide, holds the key to this playful artwork.
Vital Arts Director, Catsou Roberts says, "we are delighted to bring such high-quality contemporary art to Whipps to support patient and staff wellbeing. These artworks have completely transformed the experience of moving through those spaces. The presence of these artworks, by critically acclaimed artists living locally, aligns with the Trust's reputation for excellence and innovation. These charitably-funded artworks are an amenity for the whole hospital community."
(Artwork outpatients stairwell: Zarah Hussain 'Cloud 10')
(Artwork link bridge: Bob and Roberta Smith, OBE RA, The Department of Ornithology)
What’s coming up?
Upcoming Vital Arts projects for Whipps include a carefully selected group of artworks for the On-call Rooms. These have been guest curated by local resident and Whipps Cross patient, Robin Klassnik, OBE who has an international reputation as a groundbreaking arts professional.
Another project is for the Margaret Centre. Roberts said, "my idea was to curate a reservoir of small wall-based works that will form an “art library” from which patients and/or families can choose what is displayed in their rooms – and change them daily if so desired. This will provide some agency to those confined to a single space during a very difficult time."
Improving the patient experience
Many studies have shown that interaction with the arts and creativity boosts wellbeing, promotes resilience and supports clinical aims. Established in 1996, Vital Arts is tasked by Barts Health to improve the patient experience by enhancing the hospital environment. Viewing hospitals as key civic spaces, Vital Arts offers meaningful encounters with contemporary art.
Vital Arts hopes to roll out the next phase of their Art Strategy for Whipps Cross, once other areas of the hospital are decluttered— so keep an eye out more information over the next few months.