'Purpose-built’ Art in Hospitals: Art with Intent

The selection of art in hospitals has traditionally suggested realistic art that depicts soothing and comforting images, but recent research suggests that abstract compositions can have positive effects. Purpose-built Art in Hospitals is based on an international study of artwork in hospitals and identifies 15 specific purposes of visual artwork in hospitals, encouraging greater variety in art offerings to better serve the diverse needs of patients, families, visitors, and staff.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2024
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

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.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839096839