Graphic Artwork Transforms West Mid Children's Ward
Artist Supermundane commissioned to provide a fun environment
Supermundane's work on the walls of the ward
September 7, 2023
A new series of artworks has been installed at the children’s inpatient ward at West Middlesex University Hospital (West Mid).
They the creations of Rob Lowe, also known as Supermundane, a London-based graphic artist who creates distinctive, colourful images that play with line, pattern and typography. His work has been published and exhibited worldwide. Since 2019, he has been working with young patients, their families and staff at the hospital to design and create the bespoke wall artwork, signage and colour schemes, which have now been installed throughout the ward, with the aim of creating a fun environment.
The project has been supported by CW+, the official charity of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Its pioneering Arts in Health programme focuses on the link between human health and the environment, building on a body of evidence that design and engagement with the arts can improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Supermundane’s artwork is part of the charity’s Sun and Stars Appeal, which raised more than £150,000 to renovate and update the children’s inpatient ward at West Middlesex University Hospital. The ward sees more than 8,000 children and young people every year, and the appeal has helped create a more welcoming, child-friendly and bright environment with better facilities, specifically designed to make being in hospital easier for children and their parents and carers.
Supermundane commented, ‘It’s been a pleasure working with CW+ on the children’s ward at West Middlesex. I’m always amazed how art can transform a space, and this was a chance to do it on a new scale. This is my biggest installation to date, taking in the reception area, corridors, bed bays and signage. The site-specific works use images made by children to create patterns and texture, adding to the personalised feel, and the geometric elements create structure along with the addition of my signature use of colour. I’m proud to have worked on this project. Nobody ever really wants to be in hospital, especially at a young age, but I hope my artwork brings a little bit of joy to the children.’
Evidence suggests a link between well-being and engagement with art and design
Trystan Hawkins, Director of Patient Environment at CW+, added: ‘We’ve loved working with Supermundane and are thrilled with the new art installation. We know from our research how much of an impact the clinical environment can have on patients. The ward is now colourful and vibrant, making it a more welcoming and uplifting environment for our youngest patients.’
Sheena Basnayake, Hospital Director and Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said, ‘I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to CW+ and Supermundane for all the hard work that has gone into transforming our children’s ward at West Mid. A stimulating and responsive environment is pivotal to patient recovery. This artwork has created a positive environment that will benefit patients, their families and staff alike.’
To find out more about the CW+ Arts in Health programme, visit this web page.
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