Visitors to NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital often ask about the colorful and engaging wall murals found throughout our pediatric areas. The murals were created by New York artist James Kimak (of KimakDesign) to promote a sense of well-being for our patients through their uplifting design and ability to provide a welcome distraction from the stresses of illness and hospitalization. They also immediately provide a welcoming environment for families, visitors and staff and help identify Komansky Children's Hospital space within NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. More than 100 wall or glass partition murals have been installed throughout the hospital, including the inpatient units, Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic, Pediatric Radiology Welcome Center, Emergency Department, and Family Lounge.
Each mural showcases a New York theme with Mr. Kimak’s original photography and art, children’s drawings and paintings, and other representative visual materials from schools, museums and institutions, combined with narratives, quotes, image fragments, colors and shapes.
Begun in November 2005, the project encourages exploration through the narrative and storytelling aspect of each mural. Themes touched upon include Midtown Manhattan, Coney Island, the East River, Museum Mile, Central Park, and the Bronx Zoo. In the inpatient pediatrics unit, for example, tiny yellow cabs inch along the façade of Grand Central Terminal and other landmarks, while riders on Bryant Park’s pastel Le Carrousel gallop into other murals.
Mr. Kimak is an accomplished, award-winning designer, art director, photographer, digital artist and painter. He received the 2007 Annual Creativity Award for his work at Komansky Children's Hospital. The Annual Creativity Award is one of the oldest and most well-established international graphic design competitions, attracting prestigious agencies, design houses, and media creators from around the world. For more information about James Kimak and his work, please visit KimakDesign.