Shoaling fish – An Iridescent Vortex of Steel and Glass
Suspended sculpture and wall artworks for Ysbyty Gwynedd nhs HospitAL
Stylised waves, sea birds and the vitality of shoaling fish act as an uplifting metaphor – the wonder of nature and the gift of life. This theme was chosen to reflect Bangor's coastal location. Created for a large stairwell this artwork is fully experienced by viewing through 360 degrees.
On entering the stairwell at ground level the artwork on the walls includes a wave of emotive messages concerning organ donation that echo the waves of the sea and shoaling fish depicted below. On another wall, fish leap and morph into a heart shape of sea birds surrounding the core message, 'Rhodd o Fywyd – Gift of Life'. Suspended above the staircase is an impressive stainless steel and glass sculpture – a vortex of spiralling fish.
The short Film below, by Culture Street Films for Art UK, features the reactions and insights of local children, specialist nurse Abi Roberts and the artists.
Feedback
"I would not describe myself a great art lover, however the installation in the main hospital foyer literally stopped me in my tracks. It is an awe-inspiring piece of art that conveys such an important message, not just in the words chosen, but also in the shoals of fish that swim with common purpose, to become birds that fly like free souls. This is art with the power to change, or even potentially save, lives. All credit to the talented artists who created this piece, which in my view beats any other work of art I have seen. I remained relatively unmoved looking at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and the Mona Lisa in the Louvre. This made me cry."
Member of Hospital Staff (wishing to remain anonymous)
“Hospital Art Studio has been great to work with as a company. They listened carefully to my committee's ideas and developed and enhanced the concept into a reality through careful and frequent consultations. Karen and Tony displayed an acute sensitivity to the project and its aims…and pushed the boundaries of a large two and three dimensional art display to great effect. A pleasure to work with as a company. The results are both eye-catching and informative.”
HARRI OWEN-JONES, Chair of the Organ Donation Committee for North Wales
"The importance of the wonderful organ donation art exhibition at Bangor is twofold. Firstly it creates a space for those who have experienced organ donation on both sides of the process, to have place for solace and a moment's thought while having a wonderful feeling that donating is so much appreciated. Secondly it creates a discussion, it raises awareness. People will ask what it is and what it's for, and the subject of organ donation is raised easily and naturally. They are evocative and attractive pieces of large scale art and enhance the hospital environment."
RHYS MEIRION, International Opera star
“I think the installation here is wonderful...it will help us to raise the level of organ donation here in Wales.”
MARK DRAKEFORD AM, Minister for Health and Social Services, Welsh Government
