JAZZ SZU-YING CHEN

We commissioned Taiwanese artist Jazz Szu-Ying Chen to produce bespoke artwork throughout the Fracture Clinic at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. The result is a series of skeletons which provide a modern interpretation of medical illustrations.

Jazz is interested in the fantastical and the grotesque in anatomical illustrations. But the works are not purely ornamental, they also have an educational purpose. Staff are keen to emphasise the role these works play in treating patients. Many ask about their injuries and the artwork will be used to distract as well as inform patients about their bones and the healing process.

Jazz’s patterns are inspired by William Morris’s colour schemes and botanical forms, an artist whose work is featured extensively in the nearby Victoria and Albert Museum. These patterns have then been used to reimagine parts of the skeletal figure for fun, playful compositions that present an alternative view of the human form. The bold and bright colours were chosen to help create a positive working and therapeutic environment.

Artwork in the waiting area is based on the whole skeleton and was created to run along the entire space as a transfer on the windows. In each consultation room a focus on a particular part of the skeleton forms a feature design on the wall.