Wednesday 7 March 2018

Art and Aphorism Prizes at Art of Caring 2018

Alban Low at Kingston University 09/02/2018
International Nurses Day 2018
Nurses: A Voice to Lead: Health is a Human Right

The 2018 ‘Art of Caring’ exhibition got off to a great start on 9 February, with over 200 nursing students tapping into their creative juices to produce great art and inspirational writing: all freshly squeezed from a half hour workshop led by Alban Low, Kingston University Artist in Residence. Alban painted his own artwork live on stage to mark the theme of this years International Nurses day: Nurses: A Voice to Lead: Health is a Human Right.

Alban was joined by Prof Karen Norman, who opened this years writing competition, and invited participants to create an ‘aphorism' on the same theme. Karen explained that the word ‘aphorism’ historically referred to the medical rules written by Hippocrates. Nowadays, it’s defined ‘a concise expression of doctrine or principle of any generally accepted truth conveyed in a pithy, memorable statement.’ (Or, as Karen said, a more pithy definition might be ‘pearls of knowledge.’) A good example is Florence Nightingale’s famous aphorism: ‘Hospitals should do the sick no harm.’

Students were asked to:
1)Pick a topic for their aphorism, which fitted in with the theme: Nurses: A Voice to Lead: Health is a Human Right

2) Identify the audience for their ‘pearl of knowledge.’ (which might include patients, peers, managers, policy makers, loved ones)

3) Compose a one-line aphorism

All entries to the art and aphorism competition received by 6th April 2018 will be judged by a panel of student nurses from the Kingston University Nursing Society. £50 prizes will be awarded for the best artwork and the best aphorism.

All entries will be displayed at the Art of Caring exhibition at St George's Hospital (10th-30th May 2018). Both competitions are open to all-so what are you waiting for?

If you would like to enter the competition and exhibition then send your images and/or aphorisms to collectconnect4@gmail.com by 6th April 2018 and you might win a £50 prize!