Artist Jon Tarry alongside his new sculpture at St John of God Murdoch.
Camera IconArtist Jon Tarry alongside his new sculpture at St John of God Murdoch. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Jon Tarry sculpture to greet visitors to St John of God Murdoch Hospital

Headshot of Josh Zimmerman
Josh ZimmermanMelville Gazette

AN eight-metre tall sculpture by renowned Perth-based artist Jon Tarry will greet patients, visitors and staff to St John of God (SJOG) Murdoch Hopsital.

Unveiled on Thursday, Elevación is inspired by the work of Spanish Baroque painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, in which St John of God is carrying the sick or poor with an angel at his side.

“I wanted to create an artwork for everyone, one that could be open to interpretation, so everyone would be able to form a connection with it,” Mr Tarry said.

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“When people arrive at the hospital, before their surgery or procedure, before visiting a loved one or before coming to work, I want them to see the beauty in Elevación and fill up with the spirit of life.”

Mr Tarry blended modern and traditional aesthetics and materials to create an artwork with an uplifting, nurturing theme to tie in with the hospital’s vision of providing the community with holistic health care.

His proposal for the project was selected from 86 submissions from artists across Australia.

SJOG hospital’s chief executive John Fogarty said Jon Tarry’s submission stood out as encapsulating the spirit of St John of God, the Sisters who continued his work, and the care that is provided at the hospital today.

“The sculpture recognises our proud history of caring for the unwell and vulnerable and our mission and values, which continually keep us on our path to provide the very best quality care,” Mr Fogarty said.

The sculpture is part of a major redevelopment project at St John of God Murdoch.