Obarrio Hospital Celebrates Year-End with artistic Showcase for Mental Health Patients
The Obarrio hospital recently concluded its year with a vibrant cultural exhibition featuring the creative work of patients participating in its mental health programs. The event, attended by hospital directors Dr. Iván Mariani and Dr. Mónica González, as well as representatives from the provincial health system under the leadership of Dr. Luis Medina Ruiz and with the support of Governor osvaldo Jaldo,underscored the hospital’s commitment to innovative therapeutic approaches.
The exhibition showcased a range of artistic endeavors developed throughout the year by patients with complex pathologies, including psychosis and schizophrenia. Highlights included a performance of the play “The Queen of Desolation,” entirely conceived, written, and performed by the patients themselves, and a concert by the rock band Knockout. The third edition of “Nuestros Día a Día,” a magazine featuring poetry, essays, and interviews created within the hospital’s workshops, was also unveiled.
Adriana Casanova, head of the Day Hospital service, emphasized the integral role of the exhibition within the broader therapeutic process. “This event represents the culmination of a year of combined artistic and clinical work across all our departments,” she explained. “The productions are born from collaborative group sessions where patients actively engage in every aspect – from writing and rehearsing to designing props and finding personal meaning through creative expression.”
The Day Hospital program, operating Monday through friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, leveraging art to facilitate lasting recovery. Casanova noted that participation in activities like acting, music, and writing provides patients with a sense of purpose and a supportive environment to maintain stability.
Recognizing the importance of a holistic approach, the program actively involves families, offering dedicated spaces and activities like annual camps and multi-family meetings to address the challenges of schizophrenia and strengthen support networks. The exhibition served as a powerful reminder of art’s capacity to enhance quality of life, foster inclusion, and complement clinical care within the provincial health system.
