Tenerife Hospital Installs Art Exhibition to Boost Patient Well-being

It started last September with a phone call and a meeting. Roberto Gómez Pescoso, who was then the manager of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital (Hunsc), contacted artist Francisco de Miguel. He told De Miguel that the hospital's main entrance needed "some artistic help" to bring "positive energy, happiness, and entertainment" to patients, visitors, and staff.

De Miguel explained this to DIARIO DE AVISOS, describing the reason for the Albazul Arte collective's permanent art exhibition, which is already on display at the Tenerife hospital, though the official opening is still to come. De Miguel is one of the seven founding members of this group, which now includes over 40 artists from various fine arts fields. He is also the creator and coordinator of this project.

The exhibition features 38 artworks donated by Albazul members. Each painting is the same size, 90x90 centimeters, and was created this year using different techniques and materials, such as oil, gold leaf, ink, acrylic, and mixed media on wood, paper, canvas, vinyl, and methacrylate. "Right now, there are 38 pieces, but it's an open exhibition," De Miguel said. "In six months, we might have six more paintings."

De Miguel emphasized, "This project is very personal and emotional for all of us. We want to use our passion to make the hospital stay more bearable."

He added, "A patient's mental well-being is essential, and art can definitely play a big role." De Miguel also created the poster for the 2023 Fiestas del Cristo de La Laguna and is part of the "Raíces" exhibition at the CajaCanarias Foundation in Garachico, which showcases Canarian identity through the eyes of island artists.

In the exhibition catalog, De Miguel explains that the exhibition is "not just an aesthetic proposal, but a bridge between art and daily life in the hospital. Each artwork represents a unique perspective from a collective creator, forming a visual song of hope, beauty, and resilience."

He envisioned a mural for the hospital's main entrance walls, "like a giant puzzle made of equal-sized pieces, each with a different character. Together, these fragments create richness, forming a single work."

The paintings are all 90x90 centimeters and use various techniques and materials.

De Miguel continues in his text, "We believe strongly in art's healing power. This exhibition aims to bring joy and color, providing emotional support for patients, families, healthcare staff, and everyone who passes through these corridors. May these pieces offer company, inspiration, or simply a moment of peace for the mind and soul." He also mentions that new Albazul Arte members "can participate and donate their work to this project if they wish, as it is open and ongoing."

De Miguel expressed the collective's gratitude to Roberto Gómez Pescoso, the previous hospital manager, the current manager, Óscar Díez Gil, and the Canary Islands' Minister of Health, Esther Monzón, for their support of this joint project.

Monzón wrote in the catalog, "The Ministry of Health and the Canarian Health Service are focused on putting the patient at the center of everything we do. It's inspiring to see such generous acts, where 38 artists have donated these paintings for the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital."

She emphasized, "We believe that humanizing healthcare is not a luxury but a necessity, improving the quality of life for patients, their families, and healthcare professionals. This visual exhibition creates a pleasant and comfortable environment, making the hospital stay more friendly."

"A patient's mental well-being is essential, and art can play a big role."

Monzón added, "Humanization is not just a concept or a trend, but a necessity in all areas of life. These artworks remind us to always put the human being at the center of our attention, action, and perspective, above any progress or transformation." She also stated that "a permanent exhibition, from people to people, is the greatest demonstration of humanity, empathy, and shared emotion, offering patients, families, users, and professionals a new space for pause, respite, and relief in art, to continue with greater strength."

Roberto Gómez Pescoso, the former hospital manager, wrote, "Art has the ability to inspire, console, provoke questions, and awaken emotions. In a hospital environment, that ability becomes a valuable resource for overall well-being. We hope that those who pass through this hospital find a moment of relief, inspiration, or simply beauty in these paintings." He added, "In the midst of pain, uncertainty, or daily effort, art can be a light, a pause, a way to feel accompanied. This exhibition is much more than an aesthetic display; it's an act of generosity, a commitment to the transforming power of culture, and an expression of hope."

The Albazul artists participating in the permanent exhibition are: Amparo Modino, Ariam Lázaro Pérez Barrios, Amelia Pisaca, Benito Salmerón, Bitte R. Barth Fiane, Celestino Mesa, Carmensa León, Carmen Muruve Pérez, Clío Morarte, Conrado Díaz Ruiz, Dácil Duerto Arteaga, Dácil Travieso, De Miguel, David Valcárcel, Davide Battaglia, Eilyn Pérez Amores, Francisco Armas Padrón, Freya Jaén, Gonzalo Cabrera, Juan Clemente Quintero, Julia Chillón, Julio Almeida, José Miguel Martín-Fernández P., Javier de la Rosa, Julio Nieto, José Emilio López Navarro, Leonardo Izquierdo, Manuel Hernández, María Luisa Hodgson, Nazareth Hernández, Isabel Quesada, Pedro Raidel Remedios González, Pedro Castro Piñeiroa, Roberto Ranz Calvo, Sylvette Maurin, Toba, Valkarze, and Yaiza Hernández.

The inauguration date is not yet set, but De Miguel mentioned that December is being considered, to coincide with the Christmas holidays.