A curated collection such as this brings together artworks to open up ideas around a particular concept and space — here, the medical health services of the SA Defence Force. The art of curatorship depends on solid research, responsibility and professional integrity, guiding a clear vision of the context into being.

It also demands a knowledge of institutional and financial imperatives, of display and installation, and a close insight into the artists and their work — viewing and reviewing, and negotiating a balance between client, sponsors, architects, engineers and artists. The diverse collection across the interior and exterior of these buildings sets out to challenge, entertain, enrich and stimulate staff and visitors, creating conversations around the domain of health.

All too often, artworks in South African architectural planning have been an after-thought; it was a rare and satisfying experience for the architects, artists, interior designer and photographer to co-operate on this project from its inception.