Singapore, Singapore Dec 17, 2018 (Issuewire.com) - The St. Clare ward in Assisi Hospice has been transformed into an art gallery with over 20 pieces of vibrant and colourful art pieces by Chilean-born, Singapore-based artist Ms Eugenia Gajardo. This is the first time that a collection of art pieces has been specially created with hospice patients in mind and is permanently exhibited in a hospice ward in Singapore.
"Alegría" largest artwork and central focal point of the collection measuring approximately 250cm x 150cm x 4.5cm, is displayed in front of the elevator leading to St Clare ward. Objects associated with the care of the patients, including the nurse’s uniform, disposable gloves, a brush used by patients during their art therapy sessions and jigsaw puzzle pieces forming a heart, are incorporated beneath the art piece’s colourful and uneven surface. These objects symbolize the loving care provided by Assisi Hospice’s multidisciplinary team to the patients.
Ms Gajardo explains, "The irregular shape and uneven texture of the artwork reflect the uncertainty of existence, the peaks, and valleys of life and the importance of relationships and love in the unpredictable journey of life. The joyful and playful colours and texture of Alegría will create an immediate connection with the viewer, bringing them joy, and energizing the environment through their suggestive power.”
Ms. Gajardo chose to create Alegría and the other art pieces in lyrical abstract style, hoping to provide catharsis to the viewers. Also a psychotherapist and counsellor, she aims to uplift and bring joy to patients, their families and the hospice’s staff through the energetic presence of her works.
“Our hospice is designed to provide a homely ambience, and Ms Gajardo’s art pieces will contribute greatly to the life-giving environment we create for our patients and families. Gifts from the community, be it time, talent or donations, are essential to enable us to continue providing our patients with the care and comfort that they need. We are very grateful to Ms. Gajardo for contributing her talent to add life to our patients’ days,” said Ms Choo Shiu Ling, CEO of Assisi Hospice.
The hospice holds regular exhibitions of artworks created by patients and volunteers with specific themes. Art is therapeutic and also a way for self-expression for patients like 85-year-old Margaret Hiang, who is diagnosed with dementia, is one such patient of Assisi Hospice’s Day Care service and has been participating actively in the weekly Group Art therapy sessions.
Ms Vivian Wong, Assisi Hospice’s Art Therapist said, “Art in hospice care is an important component of a holistic approach to patient care and well-being. It serves as a bridge during the transition when patients shift from focussing on a cure to the quality of life as they come to terms with their mortality. Art is a powerful vehicle for expression, comprehension, and meaning-making along the road to wholeness.”
This series of art pieces has already raised $20,000 for Assisi Hospice at a charity auction which was held in September of this year.
For media enquiries related to artist Eugenia Gajardo, please contact:
Paula Marie
8189 3672
For media enquiries related to Assisi, please contact:
Angela Yeo
Manager, Communications
DID/Mobile: 6832 2851/9431 3121
angela.yeo@assisihospice.org.sg
David Fong
Senior Executive, Communications
DID 6832 2852
david.fong@assisihospice.org.sg
ABOUT ASSISI HOSPICE
Assisi Hospice provides palliative care for patients and families that preserves their dignity and quality of life. Patients of any race, faith, and financial position are cared for by our team of specialist doctors, nurses, allied health and pastoral care professionals. When faced with life-limiting illnesses, our patients receive medical care, as well as psychosocial, emotional and spiritual care.
Assisi Hospice provides care for patients across the continuum of Home Care, Inpatient and Day Care. This allows patients and family members to journey with a clinical team they are familiar with, and to receive care in the way that they need. In January 2017, we moved to our new six-story purpose-built hospice which has a homely ambiance and is designed to provide a lot of natural light and contact with nature. With the many cozy, quiet spaces and comfortable furnishing, we hope to provide comfort and dignity for patients and loved ones in a life-affirming space. With a doubled capacity for Home Care and Day Care, 85 Inpatient beds, new wards for Dementia Palliative Care and Paediatric Palliative care, a Sensory Garden, a Chapel, and a Roof Terrace, we will serve more than 2,000 patients a year.
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