In collaboration with the German Michael Stich Foundation, Michael Najjar realized a very special project for the University Medical Center UKE in Hamburg Eppendorf in 2022. The Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the Children's UKE is dedicated to patients with rare, severe, and complex diseases requiring special medical care. Since 1999, the Michael Stich Foundation has been involved in medical care at the UKE. In the "Michael Stich Immunodeficiency Clinic," children and adolescents with rare primary and acquired immunodeficiencies are diagnosed and treated. Since the children often have long stays in the hospital, the idea arose to dissolve the sterility and endless white walls of the ward with a large-scale and immersive art installation, thereby opening up new perspectives for the children and making the often sad, everyday life more pleasant with colors and inspiring motifs.

Together with the clinic director Prof. Muntau and Michael Stich, Michael Najjar developed a visual concept based on images from his internationally renowned "outer space" series of works. The new creative and inspiring atmosphere has completely transformed the spaces. The design is intended primarily to benefit the sick children, but also their families and visitors to the children's clinic. In addition, the aim is to spark interest in the topic of "space" among the children.

The large-scale images were produced in collaboration with Juicy Walls and painstakingly applied to the walls by hand.

Michael-Stich-Stiftung
Juicy Walls
Department of Pediatrics, UKE Hamburg