Liverpool Hospital art exhibition helps heal body and soul

A collaboration between Liverpool City Council’s Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, and South Western Sydney Local Health District has transformed the walls of Liverpool Hospital into a rotating art gallery.

The Local Flora and Fauna – Winter 2020 Collection is the first instalment of a 12-month pilot exhibition program and features 21 artworks from six local artists, displayed on the walls of Liverpool Hospital’s mental health and children’s wards.

Liverpool City Mayor Wendy Waller said the initiative stimulated conversation and provided a welcome distraction for patients and their families, visitors and staff.

"Hospitals can be stressful environments and these visually stimulating pieces will provide a form of relief and inspiration for families and individuals who may be going through difficult times.

“It is a wonderful exhibition and we are proud to showcase the talents of local artists,” Mayor Waller said.

Liverpool Hospital General Manager Karen McMenamin said the hospital welcomed the opportunity to exhibit local artist works that evoke creativity and discussion.

“We are really proud of the Liverpool Hospital curated art exhibition. It lifts the spirits of staff and patients and makes our mental health and children’s wards look wonderful,” Ms McMenamin said.

“It also broadens our connection to the local community, offering local artists a chance to have their work enjoyed by a larger group of people.”

The six South West Sydney artists featured in the Winter exhibition are: Jamie Eastwood, Reena Naidu, Robyn McMullan, Shanon Bradburn, Lucie Mammone and Murray Wilson.

The artworks feature a range of media including photography, colour pencil drawing, oil on canvas, acrylic and ink on handmade masi (bark cloth).

Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Director Craig Donarski said Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre was proud to collaborate with on a project to brings hope to vulnerable members of the community.

“Exposure to the arts helps support the healing process by calming nerves, lifting spirits, and engaging the minds of patients and staff alike, reducing the stress and anxiety often associated with healthcare settings,” Mr Donarski said.

“And this new art space also creates new opportunities for local artists to display their works to audiences they may not have been able to access previously.”

The project has been led by CPAC’s South Western Sydney Health and Arts Coordinator Miriam Cabello and driven by the South Western Sydney Health + Arts Reference Group as part of Liverpool Hospital's arts and culture strategy

The exhibition was made possible through a 12-month sponsorship by ColourSpace.

For more information, head to the ColourSpace Gallery.