Qatar Museums Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani and Minister of Public Health, HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, recently inaugurated an exhibition of artworks at the Women’s Wellness and Research Center (WWRC).
The artworks, drawn from the ‘Outbreak’ exhibition hosted by Doha Film Institute in 2020 and inspired by the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, were provided by Qatar Museums for public display at different hospitals and facilities of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
Following the inauguration ceremony, HE Sheikha Mayassa and HE Dr Al Kuwari toured the display at the WWRC, provided to HMC as part of the unique partnership between HMC and Qatar Museums.
Among the artworks on display are
- The Reflection Experiment by Anfal Al Kandari
- Consumer Consumed by Mohammed Al-Suwaidi
- Reclaimed by Nature by Roda Al-Thani
- Bahrani Baby, a sculpture by acclaimed Iraqi-born and Qatar-based artist Ahmed Bahrani
According to HE Dr Al Kuwari, the partnership between HMC and Qatar Museums underscores that art in healthcare facilities has become increasingly essential as more studies highlight the positive impact of art in the healing process. She said that engaging with art benefits both physical and mental health.
There is a growing body of evidence that shows art within hospitals and facilities can help to ease anxiety, stress and depression for both patients and healthcare staff.
She added that art can transform stark clinical environments into compassionate care spaces filled with inspiration and healing. HE Dr Al Kuwari extended her thanks to HE Sheikha Al Mayassa and Qatar Museums for their ongoing collaboration and support in bringing wonderful and diverse pieces of artwork to HMC hospitals and enabling patients, visitors and healthcare teams to appreciate them.
The hospitals of Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City and the Al Maha Center in Al Wakra display artwork from some of the 24 local artists, featured in the original Outbreak exhibition. The exhibition showcased the world’s reality during a period of instability, in addition to paying tribute to Qatar’s frontline workers and modern-day heroes who played a crucial role in ensuring everyone’s safety amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other works displayed around the HMC facilities include a collaboration with renowned photographer Anne Geddes and an installation depicting historical Islamic art pieces and sculptures.
HE Dr Al Kuwari and HE Sheikha Al Mayassa also visited the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute where they met patients and were briefed on a range of the facility’s most advanced rehabilitation services, including Easy Street, the Gait Lab and the Physiotherapy Unit.
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