“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
Pablo Picasso
Since time immemorial art has been recognized as promoting healing and well-being.
New York City + Hospitals has a collection of over 7000 works of art, distributed among its acute care hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic and treatment centers, and community-based primary care sites. The collection began in the 1930’s, when artists were hired by the Works Progress Administration’s Federal Art Project to design works for government buildings, including many murals commissioned by the New York City public healthcare system. A practice that continues today.
Take a look at this mural by the late artist Keith Haring at Woodhull Hospital Medical Center.
“I don’t think art is propaganda; it should be something that liberates the soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further. It celebrates humanity instead of manipulating it.”
Keith Haring
