A striking new glass sculpture, featuring miniature gardens inside two hand-blown lungs, has been unveiled at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester. The artwork, created by local artist Vishal Joshi, is now on permanent display inside the hospital's research centre, serving as a symbol of hope and resilience for patients taking part in breathing research.
A Personal Journey Behind the Art
Vishal Joshi, a Leicester-based artist, drew on his own health journey to create the piece. Having survived cancer as a teenager, his treatment weakened his heart, leaving his lungs to compensate. This experience profoundly shaped his view of healing and human health. He collaborated with specialist local glass craftsman Graeme Hawes to craft the intricate hand-blown laboratory glass vessels.
The sculpture features copper wire forming internal pathways, inspired by conversations with local patients and tuberculosis awareness groups. The miniature gardens inside the lungs add a layer of symbolism, reflecting fragility and strength.
Artist's Reflection on Resilience
Vishal Joshi explained: "Surviving cancer at 14 changed the way I see life. The treatment weakened my heart, so my lungs had to compensate. That experience stayed with me and shaped how I think about the body." He added: "When I met patients and researchers through this project, I realised every person carries their own story of resilience. I wanted to create something that felt as real and symbolic as possible, something that reflected both the fragility of our lungs and their extraordinary strength."
Medical Community Welcomes the Sculpture
Professor Chris Brightling, clinical professor of respiratory medicine, praised the work: "Vishal has done an excellent job translating complex ideas into a sculpture that is both scientifically meaningful and visually striking." He continued: "The craftsmanship and thought behind every detail are exceptional, creating an accurate and symbolic representation of the lungs. It is a valuable addition to our research centre and a reminder of the people and purpose behind our work."
The sculpture was formally presented to medical leaders and is now a permanent feature at the research centre, which focuses on respiratory conditions. It stands as a testament to the collaboration between art and medicine, aiming to inspire both patients and researchers.
