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.
This edited collection examines the important and multi-varied role that art plays in today's diverse society. Art is linked to the worldviews and mind-sets from which it results and, as a complex and ambiguous product of culture and perception, it can only be truly understood from multiple
perspectives.
Recognising this, Art in Diverse Social Settings brings together contributions from a diverse range of authors - including scholars and artists from different countries, artistic languages and art statements - to give fresh perspectives on central questions such as: What purpose(s) do the arts serve
in contemporary diverse and pluralistic societies? What are the links between art and citizenship in a 'glocal' perspective? Can aesthetics be compared to faith, therapy or civic resistance? Is art a feasible tool to prevent and contest social injustice, raise social consciousness and resistance in
the political arena? Can art promote social inclusion? How can artistic practices contribute to community development?
The book contains three parts including Part 1 with theoretical chapters, and Parts 2 and 3 that present exemplary case studies illustrating art as a medium for communication and intervention in professional organizations, public spaces and/or the community.