An impossible maze, with no end, forms the basis of a new gallery installation and inner-city billboard campaign by Birmingham artist and activist Foka Wolf. Produced by Ikon, 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.   

Alongside Foka Wolf’s installation, Ikon hosts a display by Changing Our Lives based on their publication Hospital to Home: Matthew’s Story (2022).

Presented by Ikon and The Exchange, Foka Wolf’s new artwork are also displayed on Jack Arts billboards in Birmingham’s inner-city. The campaign runs 7 – 19 March with posters on Floodgate Street (B5 5SR), Bradford Street (B12 0QY), York Road (B14 7RZ) and Bristol Road (B29 6BJ).

Spot a Why Are We Stuck in Hospital? poster by Foka Wolf – share with us at #ikongallery

Why Are We Stuck in Hospital? is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research HS&DR programme.

The Exchange hosts A Place Called Home, showcasing the University of Birmingham’s research themes of adult social care, homelessness and displacement of people. Find out more.