“Held & Sensed” by Dryden Goodwin for HCC
Stunning Atrium Artwork for University College Hospital Grafton Way Building, funded by Haematology Cancer Care
Celebrating our haematology community of patients, loved ones and staff.
“Held” Triptych 1 & 2
6 textile banners, each 10 x 2 metres
The textile banners explore the unique relationship between patients, loved ones and clinicians, featuring six individuals from the hospital’s haematology community. Intricate and delicate watercolour studies have been dramatically enlarged, appearing as banners suspended from the atrium’s high ceiling. Each triptych grouping represents a triangle of support around a patient. Each figure, painted as a double exposure, captures different emotions. The groupings of three are held in space, held in a structure of support, held in the balance, in a period of uncertainty, in a time of shared endeavour. There are no outward indications of which role each figure holds, implying the potential strengths and vulnerabilities of any one person at different times in life. The figures look up, down and across the space; they are reflected in the internal glazing around the atrium, and visible from multiple vantage points. The veil-like, translucent textile makes the vibrant figures visible from both sides. The movement of the banners in the airflow of the space animates each individual. The changing light throughout the day and seasons causes the figures to overlap in different ways.
“Sensed”
60 watercolour studies, printed as wall panels, total size 2.5 x 8.4 metres
The panorama of 60 watercolour studies focuses on details of heads, faces and hands. “Sensed” explores the sensory communication and dynamics between people during a patient’s care. Close-up fragments, expressions and gestures evoke moments of intimate interactions and contact between those involved. Goodwin’s process of making each watercolour mirrors aspects of the sensitivity and attentiveness essential in a patient’s treatment; studying a subject, entering their world, reading the signs and messages of the body, looking analytically, empathetically and emotionally. The watercolours become evidence of close study and the desire for discovery through human connection.
“Sensed” Films
60 films of the watercolours being made, total duration 33 hours and 33 minutes
The films invite visitors to watch the painting process in real-time. The accumulation of small brush strokes suggests the myriad connections and touches that counteract the procedural aspects of treatment.
Running on two screens in the atrium, the films are sequenced in different orders on each screen. Together with the extended running time, patients with repeat appointments and regular visitors are able to experience a different watercolour being made on each visit to the building.
Creating a welcoming, friendly and uplifting environment
On arrival at the UCH Grafton Way building you’re greeted by Dryden’s beautiful artworks of patients, loved ones and clinical staff in this light filled atrium.
Informed by our patients and staff
An invitation was sent to our patients, staff and HCC supporters to participate by sending photos of themselves or loved ones for Dryden to include in the artwork. HCC also organised a series of outdoor, socially-distanced photo shoots for the main banner-subjects in “Held 1 & 2”, and for our staff so they could be included too.
Something new to notice every visit
With the different light, different seasons and different viewing angles, “Held & Sensed” presents an opportunity to discover and engage with the artwork over time. Watching the banners in “Held” overlap and gently move in the air currents lifts the eye towards the atrium ceiling. “Sensed” encourages closer inspection of the details of faces and hands, whilst the films invite a quiet meditation on the making of the work.
About the artist
Dryden Goodwin’s practice incorporates drawing, photography and moving image. He creates gallery installations, films, projects in public space, etchings, works on-line, and soundtracks. Goodwin’s work has been shown nationally and internationally, including solo exhibitions at The Photographers’ Gallery London, Hasselblad Foundation in Gothenburg, Sweden and OCAT Contemporary Art Terminal in Xi’an, China. Group exhibitions include Tate Modern and Venice Biennale. He has created public art commissions for Art on the Underground and Invisible Dust. His work is represented in public collections including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Tate Collection, National Portrait Gallery, and Science Museum. He is a Professor at the Slade School of Fine Art, UCL.
Photograph: Dryden Goodwin with wife and producer Jo Cole.
Mark and Ellen
“When I saw the final image of myself for the first time I was overwhelmed and very emotional. At first I was not sure if it looked like me, but it did look like me. When I saw my brother’s final image I was blown away. Dryden had really captured the essence of him. The installation is amazing! I have never seen anything like it before. I am pleased to have been asked to be part of it. My image will be there long after I’m gone. Thank you.”
Ellen Hensley
Justin and Sabrina
“My wife Sabrina and I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with Professor Dryden. The experience was very unique – we found it to be not only intriguing from a subject’s point of view but also quite liberating. We were able to view the installation at the hospital once it was complete. It was nice to see the transition from the photo-shoot to the banners themselves. They were a lot larger than we expected, bright and awe-inspiring. The drawings on the banners are compelling, portraying two independent views, depending on which angle they are viewed from. We both feel very privileged to be part of the work and display at the Grafton Way Building and are grateful to be involved in the installation, which will bring a positive atmosphere to the atrium.”
Justin Harvey
“
I was overwhelmed by the final image of me and my place within the artwork. My image was larger than I imagined and worked with the other drawings especially my sister’s and the Professor’s where we share an area together. I sat for a long time looking at my image. I think Dryden captured me perfectly.
Thank you Dryden and HCC.
“
Mark Matharu – Haematology patient
