Healing Portraits Harlem hospital

A commission by Art in Medicine, NYC Health and Hospitals, 2023

Healing Portraits pays homage to the vibrant Harlem community and medical pioneers who have left an indelible mark on Harlem. Notable figures include Ronald H. Brown, the first black US Secretary of Commerce and Chair of the Democratic National Committee, whose name graces one of the pavilions at Harlem Hospital. Dr. Luis T. Wright, the first African American physician on Harlem Hospital’s staff, and Dr. Samuel L. Kountz, an innovator in organ transplants, are also featured. The lower left panel celebrates Dr. Muriel Petioni, a prominent Harlem physician and activist, while elements such as a food truck, museum, and religious symbols reflect the neighborhood’s rich diversity and spirit of support. The central top panel showcases pediatric care, nurturing, and community healing, while the center-bottom panel depicts children, musical notes, and Taino symbols, emphasizing the neighborhood’s diversity and unity. To the right, the lower panel commemorates the pivotal moment when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was admitted to Harlem Hospital after being shot, alongside the three doctors who provided his care, highlighting the values of non-violence and unity. Healing Portraits stands as a powerful symbol of the community’s resilience and its dedication to healing, unity, and a brighter future.