John T. Lange, curator of Cedars-Sinai’s art collection, oversees 4,000 works donated to create a healing environment at the hospital. (photo courtesy of Cedars-Sinai)

Eight new sculptures have been added to Cedars-Sinai’s 82,500-square-foot Healing Gardens, which surrounds the medical center.

“These unique sculptures are both thought-provoking and meditative,” said John T. Lange, curator of Cedars-Sinai’s art collection of 4,000 works that have been donated to create a healing environment for patients, visitors and staff members. “Together, with the guidance of our Advisory Council for the Arts, we trust these pieces of art will both beautify our campus and the experience of those on our campus-goals we have upheld since the art collection began in 1966.”

The artworks include “MUSHMIND,” by Aaron Curry, a creative piece on loan from the artist that is nearly 9 feet tall and 600 pounds. “Barranca,” by Anna Fasshauer, combines light blue and red aluminum painted with car lacquer.

“Molecule Man,” by Jonathan Borofsky, weighs 150 pounds and is made of thick aluminum. The sculpture depicts the molecules of all human beings coming together to create existence. “Deer,” by Gwynn Murrill, is comprised of two bronze deer that will be integrated into a lush environment in the Healing Gardens. “Skygate Number Six,” by DeWain Valentine, is a towering sculpture made of bronze and glass.

Additional artworks are “Nothing Is New Except What Is Forgotten,” by Alexis Smith, which includes the statement, “nothing is new except what is forgotten” inlaid in concrete on a walkway bridge between the medical center and employee parking structure. “Three-Part Reclining Figure,” by Henry Moore, is a large bronze sculpture depicting a reclining figure. It is on long-term loan from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art along with “Sheaf of Wheat,” by Harry Bertoia, a stainless steel sculpture that chimes in the wind.

“These pieces of art are as unique as the patients and visitors who walk through our doors each day,” Lange said. “We are extremely proud of our latest sculptures, but mostly for the commitment we have to providing comfort and inspiration in a setting that can be very stressful.”

The art collection took shape in 1966 when prominent art collector Frederick Weisman was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai with a head injury, Lange said. A few days later, when Weisman was still unable to recognize his wife, Marcia Simon Weisman, she brought a prized Jackson Pollock painting to his room.

The story goes that he bounced back instantly, prompting his wife, an art collector and founder of Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, to begin collecting art for the medical center. She convinced friends, artists and collectors to donate to the collection.

The medical center’s Advisory Council for the Arts, comprised of fine art enthusiasts and professionals, currently continues the mission of bringing artworks to patients. The council reviews every work offered to the medical center and remains focused on staying true to the Weismans’ vision.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is located at 8700 Beverly Blvd. For information, visit cedars-sinai.org.