A New Twist On Art Therapy: Contemporary Art In Hospitals

Contemporary art can be considered inaccessible and even sometimes so childlike people may think, “my 5 year old could do that.” But anyone who has read the book Olivia knows just what a Jackson Pollack may inspire in children.

That’s why I think it’s brilliant that Diane Brown, founder of RxArt, has started an organization to bring contemporary art in to children’s hospitals (well, medical facilities in general, but I think she’s starting with children’s facilities). Talk about a more creative approach than simply slapping up Mickey Mouse or Elmo on the wall!

At the Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Chicago, RxArt commissioned famed artists Jeff Koons to add his touch to the CAT scan room. Now, imagine, as an adult, how scary it might be to go through a CAT scan, facing nothing but cold, harsh machines whirring and buzzing.

Not for the kids who go through Koons’s “art installation.” Instead, they will see images of dog balloons, colorful hearts and smiling monkeys. Much more appealing and soothing in my opinion.