Main description:

Over the past three decades, guidance on the selection of art in hospitals has suggested realistic art that depicts soothing and comforting images such as tranquil waters, green vegetation, flowers, and open spaces. Based on these findings, curators have been cautioned to avoid art with uncertain meaning that risks upsetting viewers in stressful states. However, some hospitals exhibit ambiguous or abstract art and cite anecdotal evidence of its appropriateness for healthcare settings. More recent research is going beyond anecdotal evidence, and indicates that the ambiguity of meaning in abstract compositions can have positive effects.

'Purpose-built' Art in Hospitals is built on an international study of artwork in hospitals around the globe. Exploring 'purpose-built' (specially commissioned) artwork in hospitals through the dual lens of an artist and healthcare professional, Rollins identifies 15 specific 'purposes' of visual artwork in hospitals and presents a compelling case for their use that is grounded in research. The book builds the reader's understanding of the many functions of artwork in hospitals, with the goal of encouraging greater variety in art offerings to better serve the many diverse needs of patients, families, visitors and staff within the hospital environment.

Contents:

Chapter 1. The Hospital Experience Chapter 2. Art for Soothing and Comforting
Chapter 3. Art for Transcendence
Chapter 4. Art for Empathy
Chapter 5. Art for Inspiration and Hope
Chapter 6. Art for Spirituality
Chapter 7. Art for Joy
Chapter 8. Art for Interaction
Chapter 9. Art for Identity
Chapter 10. Art for Messaging
Chapter 11. Art for Wayfinding
Chapter 12. Art to Build Community
Chapter 13. Art to Build Relationships
Chapter 14. Art for Dialogue
Chapter 15. Art for Remembrance
Chapter 16. Art for Museum Encounters
Chapter 17. Transforming the Hospital Experience Through Art
Chapter 18. Conclusions and Looking Forward