Maitland Hospital honoured in new gallery exhibition
In honour of the last 170 years of the Maitland Hospital and the transition to its new site in Metford, Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) is featuring the exhibition ‘A Conspicuous Object: The Maitland Hospital’ until 6 February 2022.
In honour of the last 170 years of the Maitland Hospital and the transition to its new site in Metford, Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) is featuring the exhibition ‘A Conspicuous Object: The Maitland Hospital’ until 6 February 2022.
Staff, volunteers, patients, and the community were all invited to share their memories about the hospital with ten celebrated artists then producing work in response to these stories, resulting in a collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs and more.
One of the artists, Peter Poulet, was also commissioned to create NSW Health’s largest ever painting for the foyer of the new Maitland Hospital, being almost 180m2 and painted directly onto the walls and ceiling.
At the exhibition, audiences can see works by G.W. Bot, Linda Greedy, Oliver Harlan, Anita Johnson, Adrian Lockhart, Catharine Neilson, Peter O’Doherty, Susan O’Doherty, Peter Poulet, and Lesley Salem. Historical items are also on display as part of the exhibition, including old medical equipment and instruments.
MRAG Director Gerry Bobsien says, ‘Maitland Hospital has serviced the community for generations, and it is exciting to share their stories and memories through the lens of artists.
‘The exhibition is a unique approach honouring the role the existing hospital has played in caring for the community for more than 170 years, and showing how art, heritage, and health intertwine’.
Co-curators Joe Eisenberg, Janis Wilton and MRAG Collection Curator Cheryl Farrell have said, ‘We’re encouraging members of the community to share their experience of Maitland Hospital and learn from others through these engaging works. Visit the website to explore the stories and artworks and share your memories.’
The exhibition and the website are part of the Collected Memory Project initiative developed in partnership with Hunter New England Local Health District and Health Infrastructure as part of the transition from the old site to the new hospital that will open in the new year.
You can still share your stories about the Maitland Hospital by visiting the website, aconspicuousobject.com.au
