Murals painted by six renowned Croatian artists were presented yesterday as an introduction to scientific conference and exhibition called the Aestheticization and re-humanization of public space: Art as therapy, which will be held at Meštrović pavilion on March 21. The official press release stated that the artists’ aim was to transform the hospital experience for patients, hospital staff and the general population.
Melinda Šefčić, Family Matters
The intervention is meant to raise awareness and encourage society members to recognize and accept art as an integral part of their health and everyday lives, as well as contribute to the therapeutic effect art has on wellbeing, or the way it serves as a positive distraction, makes recovery quicker and affects the health of the entire hospital community.
Ana Ratković, Brezik
“Various art interventions have been done at hospitals around the world and research has confirmed that art has an important role and an effect on quicker recovery of patients who spend time at such institutions. Art is proven to reduce stress and anxiety, blood pressure and pain medication use, and it helps patients feel more relaxed and self-confident, while it simultaneously acts as a positive reinforcement for both patients and hospital staff.” painter Melinda Šefčić, the author of the project said.
Stipan Tadić, Ponedjeljak
The artists who participated in the project, Tomislav Buntak, Ana Ratković, Damir Sobota, Sanja Stojković, Melinda Šefčić and Stipan Tadić, have decorated various spaces in different part of the hospital.
Graduate and postgraduate students of Department of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, have been involved in the research part of the project from the initial phase, following the reactions and talking to the people – patients, their families, medical and technical staff.
The results of the project will be presented at the scientific conference and exhibition called the Aestheticization and re-humanization of public space: Art as therapy, which will be held at Meštrović pavilion on March 21
