THE HEALING ARTS PROGRAM
Image: 'Calvert Dixon, Navajo, Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Powwow, New Mexico, 2013', by Andrew Hogarth
St Vincent’s Hospital is launching its Healing Arts Program this year and will be displaying a variety of artists over the coming months.
The philosophy behind the Healing Arts Program is to take holistic care to the next level by introducing art into all areas of the hospital including corridors, waiting areas, interview rooms, and lounges.
The hospital will feature a rotating exhibition of 20 artists and also holds a developed collection, much of which is accessible to the general public.
One of the featured artists Andrew Hogarth says that the program helps to make the hospital a less daunting place to visit.
“Hospitals can be scary and stressful places. What I hope patients, carers, visitors and staff get from viewing [my images] is some time out – the opportunity to be transported to another place,” he says.
Hogarth himself was a patient at St Vincent’s hospital where he was diagnosed with a renal tumour and had to have a kidney removed.
After treatment Hogarth found himself on a trip to the American southwest in 2013, where he captured the people and the landscape.
His current exhibition, Native America – Dinetah to the Greasy Grass 2008 – 2013 features the stunning photos he took on that trip. (JN)
Until Feb 11, Xavier Art Space, St Vincent’s Hospital, 390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, free, stvincents.com.au
BY JEMMA NOTT
