An impossible maze, with no end, forms the basis of a new artwork by Birmingham artist and activist Foka Wolf. Produced by Ikon and exhibited at The Exchange in Centenary Square (South Entrance), Why Are We Stuck in Hospital? illustrates the invisibility of people with learning disabilities and / or autistic people in long-stay hospitals.

Known for his ‘subvertisements’, which parody corporate and political posters, Foka Wolf’s interventions make us question our city’s infrastructure and whether it is meeting the needs of our community.

Comprising graphic design and declarative captions, Foka Wolf’s new posters respond to Why Are We Stuck in Hospital? – a project by the School of Social Policy at the University of Birmingham in partnership with rights-based organisation Changing Our Lives. The research raises awareness of the 2,000 people with learning disabilities and / or autistic people who live in hospital settings for long periods of time, often for many years and with no planned date to leave. Ikon’s exhibition coincides with the publication of policy guidelines based on the experiences of people with learning disabilities, their families and front-line staff.

Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research HS&DR programme, Why Are We Stuck in Hospital? features in the exhibition A Place to Call Home at The Exchange.

Why Are We Stuck in Hospital? by Foka Wolf was an installation originally exhibited at Ikon Gallery (7 – 19 March 2023).