art and death

The smell of the hospital is not strong. It not what I would imagine. It is not a far stretch to say that this hospital is not much different in aroma and decor than the waiting area in Nieman Marcus. The most striking difference is the aura. This is not a place hopeful exhiliaration, rather it is a retreat away from the safety of the rear to the front lines of the battle between life and death. Ironically (or is it?) there is wonderful art hanging throughout; it is a gallery within a most somber of places. Perhaps it is more needed here than anywhere. There is a world class museum mere blocks away - but in this place the works speak out to those most able to listen. It is not the academic approach of interpretation but the soft buttress of poetics in visual form. It moves; it pauses; it is stirring in its motionlessness. I am relieved of my self. And for the person here in sickness it makes me a better caregiver.