During Michael Brennand-Wood’s residency at Broadgreen Hospital, participants painted and collaged onto strips of fabric, which were stapled to a wooden board for stability. Acrylic paint or oil pastels were used throughout the process, and sections of paper were cut from a range of textiles or papers and then glued onto the fabric strips.
Two group sessions were held each day, one each with two wards caring for patients who have suffered strokes or are undergoing recovery from such trauma. The social aspect of the sessions allowed for meaningful connections between the participants, who enjoyed sharing stories and the occasional song.
“These groups are amazingly important, particularly when patients are with us for a prolonged period of time. They help break up the day and give patients something creative to focus on, especially patients who may feel they have a lack of control over their current situation. It is wonderful to see patients take pride in something that they have made and can show off to others.”
– Therapy Assistant, Broadgreen Hospital
“I’m doing things I didn’t expect to be able to do.”
– Participant
Michael created two final commissions after the completion of the 10 week residency, incorporating the textile strips decorated by participants on each ward.
The final pieces were installed installed at Broadgreen Hospital in January 2020. One situated close to Ward 5 and the other close to Ward 8, as tangible reminders of the residency.
‘Mixtapes’ by Michael Brennand-Wood (2019)
“The premise of Mixtapes was to ask each participant to paint, draw, write and collage onto a wide cotton tape. There were no rules, each person could use whatever colour or combination of media to express how they were feeling. It occurred to me that to create a tape had a strong musical link. My role was to organize and re-mix the visual sounds into a group composition. Individual tapes were interlaced and woven together, the individuality of each participants is clear and present. There are many voices, multiple life experiences and a joyful energy at work in both pieces.”
– Michael Brennand-Wood