NDBH Main Entrance Public Artwork

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I was commissioned by South London and the Maudsley (SLAM) and Bethlem Gallery to create a public artwork for the main entrance for the new mental health hospital New Douglas Bennett House.

 

Interpretation text below:

Symbolising the resilience of people living with mental health conditions, Parker has created a colourful and playful avenue of oak trees. The trunks are repurposed from an oak tree that grew on Bethlem Hospital grounds and the uplifting vibrant transparent vinyl leaves are inspired by paint colours used throughout the hospital. In the daylight the leaves mimic colourful stained glass and on a dark evening glow from the outside.

 

As part of the commission Izzy ran comb making workshops on acute mental health wards at Lambeth hospital, during the workshops we discussed ways of building resilience.  The x5 trees are all engraved with an image taken in the workshop and key words; self care, music, making, sharing food, peace.

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