Newcastle Hospitals Charity is delighted to present loaned artwork from the series, Watchful Waiting, by artist Johannah Churchill. The work is now on display at the Freeman Hospital, part of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Johannah Churchill is a photographer and nurse, who studied with Northumbria University Newcastle and trained at Freeman Hospital 2007-10. She is also currently a lecturer in Contemporary Photography at the University of Sunderland and has exhibited widely, including ‘Hold Still’ with the National Portrait Gallery, London.
‘Watchful Waiting’ is a medical term used when an illness or injury is observed intently but no immediate action is taken. This careful, deliberate observation resonates with the considered act of portraiture.
The series of images explores our relationship with compassion. It is focused on NHS workers, considering the nature of suffering and the effect it can have on both patient and carer. The project acknowledges the complexities of both receiving and practicing care.
Johannah says “as a nurse I have experienced this first-hand and created these photographs as a response”. The portraits are an invitation to find time and space for pause and reflection, and to stay with this intent observation.
Johannah continues to capture NHS staff, giving visibility to the people behind the masks. You can find more about her work here or by visiting her Instagram.
Newcastle Hospitals Charity would like to thank Johannah for loaning these works to the Freeman Hospital.
In the coming months the charity will be working with Johannah on a series of portraits with our Trust staff, as part of Newcastle Hospitals Arts Programme. Any staff member who would like to know more about this upcoming project can contact Katie Hickman, Newcastle Hospitals Charity Arts Programme Manager by emailing [email protected]
Part of Newcastle Hospitals Arts Programme, funded by Newcastle Hospitals Charity.
