An impossible maze, with no end, forms the basis of an artwork by Birmingham artist and activist Foka Wolf. Produced by Ikon and exhibited at Site Gallery, Sheffield, 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 the city’s infrastructure and whether it is meeting the needs of the community.

Comprising graphic design and declarative captions, Foka Wolf’s 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.

Foka Wolf’s artwork is also displayed on Jack Arts billboards around Sheffield. Spot a Why Are We Stuck in Hospital? poster by Foka Wolf – share with us at #ikongallery #sitegallery

The original research was funded by the National Institute for Health and Social Care Delivery Research Programme. Exhibition tour funded by NIHR School for Social Care Research Why Are We Stuck in Hospital? by Foka Wolf was originally exhibited at Ikon Gallery (7 – 19 March 2023) and The Exchange, Birmingham (7 March – 17 June 2023) and tours to Fabrica, Brighton (7-14 April 2024).