Murals on the psychiatric ward at Odense University Hospital
A story about nature, colors and tranquility
When I paint murals, I always think about how art can affect the space and those who stay in it. That is why it was a special task to create murals for a psychiatric ward at Odense University Hospital. I knew from the beginning that the art here should do more than just decorate – it should create peace, give hope and invite the senses to a quiet journey through colors and shapes.
An abstract nature story as a mural
For this project I chose an abstract style with botanical elements. Nature has a very special ability to calm us, and by bringing its organic forms into the hospital environment I wanted to create a feeling of lightness and connection. Soft leaves, light branches and abstract flowers wind across the walls, in some places discreetly and in other places more prominently, so that the viewer can constantly discover new details. A feeling of green plants and a light blue sky.
Colors that lift and create balance
The choice of colors was an important part of the process. I wanted to create an atmosphere that felt bright, friendly and uplifting, but at the same time balanced so that the space was not overstimulating. That’s why I worked with soft shades – muted greens, warm earth tones and cool blue tones, which together create a harmonious whole. Colors can have a big impact on how we feel, and my goal was to infuse the spaces with an atmosphere of lightness and optimism.
The wall galleries extend over several areas: the entrance area, the hallways and the common lounge. The entrance area is the first place that patients, relatives and staff meet, and here I wanted to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In the hallways, the wall paintings lead the eye further and create a natural sense of flow in the room. In the lounge, where the patients spend time together, I have focused on a relaxed atmosphere that invites calm and presence.
An artistic process with meaning
Working in a psychiatric environment gave the project an extra dimension. This is not a traditional exhibition space, but a place where people spend vulnerable periods of their lives. It gave me a deeper awareness of what art can do – how it can act as a quiet hand on the back, a visual breather, an opening to something bigger than the four walls.
As I worked, I also saw how both staff and patients responded to the paintings. Some would stop by, stare at the details for a long time, and share their thoughts. One staff member said the colors made her feel uplifted, while a patient said it felt like a walk through a forest. That’s exactly the experience I was hoping to create.
When I leave a project like this, it is always with a special feeling of gratitude. For me, art is not just about aesthetics, but about creating a space that can make a difference. It is my hope that the murals in the psychiatric ward will continue to provide something to those who pass by – whether it is a little break, a bit of peace, or just a bit of color in the corner of the eye on a gray day.
I believe that art can be a form of care. And in this project, that has been my greatest ambition – to let the brushstrokes contribute to a sense of hope and human connection. Read more about my murals here
