Therapeutic Portraits at NYC Well being + Hospitals-Harlem by artist Tijay Mohammed.
Picture courtesy: NYC Well being + Hospitals
NYC Well being + Hospitals final Thursday unveiled a brand new mural at Harlem Hospital as a part of the Group Mural Mission run by the well being system’s Arts in Medication Division.
NYC Well being + Hospitals mentioned artist Tijay Mohammed developed the mural, “Therapeutic Portraits,” via a collection of focus teams with neighborhood members, workers and sufferers.
The mural was “delivered to life at a paint social gathering, the place the neighborhood was invited to color the mural collectively,” NYC Well being + Hospitals mentioned.
It mentioned “Therapeutic Portraits” is one in all 9 new murals which were created up to now 12 months, constructing on the 26 murals created within the first wave of the Group Mural Mission, that are featured in a brand new guide, “Therapeutic Partitions: New York Metropolis Well being + Hospitals Group Mural Mission 2019-2021.”
“Therapeutic Portraits pays homage to the colourful Harlem neighborhood and medical pioneers who’ve left an indelible mark on Harlem,” NYC Well being + Hospitals mentioned.
It mentioned notable figures embrace Ronald H. Brown, the primary black US Secretary of Commerce and Chair of the Democratic Nationwide Committee, whose identify graces one of many pavilions at Harlem Hospital.
Dr. Luis T. Wright, the primary African American doctor on Harlem Hospital’s workers, and Dr. Samuel L. Kountz, an innovator in organ transplants, are additionally featured.
NYC Well being + Hospitals mentioned the decrease left panel celebrates Dr. Muriel Petioni, a distinguished Harlem doctor and activist, whereas parts reminiscent of a meals truck, museum, and non secular symbols replicate the neighborhood’s wealthy range and spirit of assist.
The central high panel showcases pediatric care, nurturing, and neighborhood therapeutic, whereas the center-bottom panel depicts kids, musical notes, and Taino symbols, emphasizing the neighborhood’s range and unity, NYC Well being + Hospitals mentioned.
To the proper, it mentioned the decrease panel commemorates the pivotal second when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was admitted to Harlem Hospital after being shot, alongside the three docs who offered his care, “highlighting the values of non-violence and unity.”
“Therapeutic Portraits stands as a robust image of the neighborhood’s resilience and its dedication to therapeutic, unity, and a brighter future,” NYC Well being + Hospitals mentioned.
“NYC Well being + Hospitals/Harlem supplies important healthcare companies to all who want them no matter their circumstances,” mentioned Laurie Tisch, founder and president of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. “Tijay Mohammed’s new mural Therapeutic Portraits joins murals at Harlem Hospital created as a part of NYC Well being + Hospitals’ Group Mural program in addition to essential WPA murals courting again to the Nineteen Thirties. It celebrates historic figures in Harlem in addition to the extraordinary range of the neighborhood. Therapeutic Portraits will bolster delight within the neighborhood and hospital and convey pleasure and luxury to everybody who sees it. We’re proud to have supported its creation.”
“Artist Tijay Mohammed included the varied concepts and experiences of the Harlem neighborhood on this mural,” mentioned NYC Well being + Hospitals Assistant Vice President of Arts in Medication Larissa Trinder. “Therapeutic Portraits displays a world wealthy within the arts and sciences. It contains non secular and political leaders, kids and symbols that fairly actually create an immersive expertise for everybody that walks into the hospital. The distinctive el fresco nature of this work guides one’s imaginative and prescient to the sky and creates hope for all who move via.”
“NYC Well being + Hospitals/Harlem stands tall as a Beacon of Gentle within the Harlem Group,” mentioned NYC Well being + Hospitals/Harlem CEO Georges Leconte. “As you stroll via the doorways of the Ronald H. Brown Pavilion, you can not assist however expertise the ability of the murals, which inform the story of Harlem’s wealthy tradition and heritage with stunning depictions of notable Harlem legends and common landmarks. Each affected person can see themselves within the various representations all through every panel. Artwork is therapeutic! Realizing that our sufferers get to gaze upon the great thing about these outstanding murals whereas visiting our facility offers me the reassurance that each single affected person’s wants will probably be met totally as a result of artwork and medication have therapeutic energy.”
“The method of making this piece is diet, from listening to the main target group to the neighborhood paint social gathering,” mentioned Mohammed. “I hope this mural serves as a therapeutic talisman for Harlem and past.”
