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Artist Transforms Children's Hospital With Colorful Murals To Comfort Young Patients

It's never fun for a child to visit the hospital, especially when it comes to places like the PET/CT scan suite. Those surroundings can appear very sterile and scary to kids.

So it's great to see that at least one hospital has thought of covering their CT scan room with colorful artwork by the renowned artist Takashi Murakami.

The Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. has recently partnered up with the organization RxART to beautify their PET/CT scan suite.

RxART collaborates with renowned artists to redecorate hospital spaces in the most fantastic ways possible. And that's exactly what they did here.

This time, RxART chose to work with the renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.

His signature style consists of colorful smiling flower designs. If these aren't perfect for the walls of the PET/CT scan suite frequented by many child patients, I don't know what would be.

The fun and groovy pop art blooms will make many kids smile while they undergo lengthy scans.

Isn't that the most fantastic idea you have heard of? I think so. If only this could be the case with all the children's hospitals.

Murakami developed his now-famous signature motifs back in the 1980s.

They are emblematic of the "superflat" art movement that he's also known for. The movement builds on traditional flat Japanese compositions, such as the woodblock prints of the Edo period.

His fascination with the post-war consumer culture is what led him to “flatten” the distinction between fine art, “low” art, and consumerism.

What a unique way to look at modern art. Nowadays, he frequently collaborates with musicians and fashion designers to push the boundaries of fine art.

Murakami's hospital installation uses his signature motifs in a new setting.

Even though the children visiting the suite might not know the art belongs to a renowned artist, they will appreciate how it makes them feel — and that's the main goal. Isn't it?

That's what RxART's mission is — to beautify hospital spaces regardless of anyone's knowledge of art.

After all, anybody can appreciate it, no matter who they are. In this case, the colorful art will ease kids' otherwise scary hospital experience.

It's true when they say that art can heal.

I bet Murakami's new installation will ensure that children's hospital visits are a lot more pleasant from now on. I, for one, would love to see art on the walls of such a sterile hospital room.

So how do you feel about this colorful art mural in a hospital setting?

Do you think it's a good idea? I wish there were more projects like these taking place in hospitals all over the world. They would make kids' experiences a lot more calming.

h/t My Modern Met