ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

John Conway's Mobile Printing Press Captures End-of-Life Expressions in Irish Hospitals

architecture-design · 2026-04-13

During a residency centered on end-of-life care, Irish artist John Conway designed a mobile printing press to capture the reflections of palliative care patients. Collaborating with Dublin's Space Forms, the trolley is equipped with wooden drawers, word blocks, a surface-mounted press, and a drying rack. This initiative emerged from Creative Ireland's initiative for artist-healthcare partnerships. In 2025, Conway engaged with patients and staff at Naas General Hospital, generating approximately 200 care-related terms for the word blocks. The trolley's pastel-pink hue harmonizes with healthcare settings. Conway assists patients in producing prints, which act as their final expressions. A selection of these prints will either be archived at Naas General Hospital or handed to families.

Key facts

  • John Conway is an Irish artist
  • The mobile printing press is designed for palliative care patients
  • The project was developed during a residency in 2025
  • Conway collaborated with Dublin-based fabricator Space Forms
  • The press uses approximately 200 pre-selected word blocks
  • Research was conducted at Naas General Hospital in County Kildare
  • The project responds to a Creative Ireland initiative
  • Prints will be archived at the hospital and given to families

Entities

Artists

  • John Conway
  • Evanna Devine

Institutions

  • Creative Ireland
  • Naas General Hospital
  • Space Forms
  • Dezeen

Locations

  • Ireland
  • Dublin
  • County Kildare

Sources