healing touch

photo: Thijs Quispel

artist: Madel
located in: Jan van Breemen Instituut ,
client: Jan van Bremen Instituut

For the Jan van Breemen Instituut, an institute that treats patients with arthritic disorders, Mark Madel designed an interactive audio installation. As one touches the golden hand print in the landing, the muted voices that are constantly present in the background, make way for more lively tones. The number of touches also alters the audio composition and a display unit in the lobby tallies the number of touches.

With this work, Mark Madel alludes to the healing qualities of physical touch and the healing process is a central focus in his audio composition. However, in Het Opleggen van de Handen (The Healing Touch), Madel does not comment on who is actually undergoing the process of healing. Is it the work of art, the visitor or both? A simulation of Het Opleggen van de Handen can be viewed on: www.daysalive.com/hoh.htm