#WHATPATIENTSREADAFTERHEARTSURGERY by Luc Haenen is a compelling photographic study of the post-operative experience of heart surgery patients. Through a combination of documentary imagery and conceptual observation, Haenen captures the private and often overlooked moments of recovery, exploring how patients navigate time, solitude, and reflection in hospital and home settings. Central to the work is the exploration of what patients read during convalescence – books, magazines, digital content – revealing insights into their mental and emotional landscapes as they heal. The project balances intimacy with conceptual rigour, highlighting the intersection between medical environments and personal agency. Richly sequenced and illustrated, the book emphasises both the universality and individuality of recovery, offering viewers a nuanced understanding of human resilience. #WHATPATIENTSREADAFTERHEARTSURGERY is an essential contribution to empathetic storytelling, and will resonate with audiences interested in health, human experience, and visual culture.
