The artwork, titled “Hospital Ward,” was created by Richard Artschwager in 1968 and is associated with the Conceptual Art movement. It is currently housed at the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit, Michigan, US.
“Hospital Ward” is a triptych consisting of three panels, each depicting a detailed black-and-white image of a hospital setting. The composition presents a long room filled with hospital beds, occupied by patients and attended by medical personnel. The meticulous arrangement and near-photographic quality of the piece reflect Artschwager’s engagement with themes of perception and representation, hallmarks of Conceptual Art. Each panel communicates a sense of order and clinical precision, evoking the sterile environment typical of a hospital ward. Through its intricate detail and somber tone, the artwork invites the viewer to consider the emotional and physical landscapes of healthcare settings.