HOLD
HOLD is a permanent public artwork installed in the Maudsley Hospital reception area celebrating the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
Themes:
In order to generate the themes of the artwork I meet with nurses to find out about their roles, why they got into nursing and how they perceive nursing, and with the archivist at Bethlem Museum of the Mind to explore the history of nursing at the Maudsley. I was struck by the way the nurses deflected any interest in themselves and their wellbeing back to focusing on patient care.
The Concept:
Having been first treated just down the corridor from the site of the artwork, I wanted to be able to give back to those who cared for me. This was the inspiration for ‘HOLD” came from. I decided to work with patients to cast their hands and my own in plaster, using various holding gestures as a reciprocal message, saying ‘we hold you too’.
The objects:
I used objects relating to human survival – water (represented by a mug), shelter / sleep (represented by a sheet), and air (represented by a mask). Nurses work 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and 365 days per year, this is represented by the nurse’s watch. These objects are also showcased as photos over the fireplace.
The Windows:
Being the main focal point, I wanted to create a strong message on the windows. Knowing this message is shared with people day in and day out as they move through the reception space feels like I am able to interact with people even if I’m not there in person.
Themes:
In order to generate the themes of the artwork I meet with nurses to find out about their roles, why they got into nursing and how they perceive nursing, and with the archivist at Bethlem Museum of the Mind to explore the history of nursing at the Maudsley. I was struck by the way the nurses deflected any interest in themselves and their wellbeing back to focusing on patient care.
The Concept:
Having been first treated just down the corridor from the site of the artwork, I wanted to be able to give back to those who cared for me. This was the inspiration for ‘HOLD” came from. I decided to work with patients to cast their hands and my own in plaster, using various holding gestures as a reciprocal message, saying ‘we hold you too’.
The objects:
I used objects relating to human survival – water (represented by a mug), shelter / sleep (represented by a sheet), and air (represented by a mask). Nurses work 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and 365 days per year, this is represented by the nurse’s watch. These objects are also showcased as photos over the fireplace.
The Windows:
Being the main focal point, I wanted to create a strong message on the windows. Knowing this message is shared with people day in and day out as they move through the reception space feels like I am able to interact with people even if I’m not there in person.