Tate Liverpool presents pandemic artwork to Alder Hey

A group portrait of Alder Hey staff created during the Covid pandemic has been presented to the hospital by Tate Liverpool.

The giant painting was commissioned by the Tate and created by New York-based Mexican artist Aliza Nisenbaum as part of a larger exhibition which was staged at the Royal Albert Dock gallery in 2021.

It depicts members of the children’s hospital team, from doctors and nurses to porters and admin staff, who had been using reflective practices, and focuses on mental health and wellbeing of staff working in traumatic situations.

Because of the pandemic, Nisenbaum had to work remotely and built a bond with her sitters through video technology.

Tate director Helen Legg said: “Tate is proud to be able to unveil Aliza Nisenbaum’s painting at Alder Hey – a rare example of an artwork from the national collection on view to the public in a non-art setting.

“Aliza’s image of NHS frontline workers during the pandemic moved everyone who saw it. Seeing it on display again is an acknowledgement of the value of our NHS as it celebrates its 75th anniversary, and is a tribute to those who care for us.”

Meanwhile Louise Shepherd, chief executive of Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, added: “This artwork is a valuable reminder of the outstanding dedication of our staff during the recent pandemic.

“The unveiling of this stunning painting at Alder Hey is a huge honour and is testament to the fantastic support Tate Liverpool has given to our Arts for Health Programme for 20 years. We’ve delivered some incredible collaborative programmes during that time, and I look forward to us together bringing further benefits to our children and young people in the future.”

Top: Tate staff install Aliza Nisenbaum's painting Team Time Storytelling, Alder Hey Children's Hospital Emergency Department COVID pandemic 2020. Photo by Gareth Jones