Week 4: Medicine + Technology + Art

 Week 4: Medicine + Technology + Art

Before studying this week's materials, I found it hard to imagine a connection between medicine and art., but I then realized the intersecting aspects between the two. In Silvia Casini's article, she mentions that the development of non-invasive imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized scientific understanding of the brain and inspired artists to explore new ways of interpreting and representing human psychological complexity (Casini). For example, the unique and intricate images it produces have also captured the attention of artists, who have found creative inspiration in this technology. Additionally, MRI allows exploration of parts of the human body that are invisible to the naked eye, with the brain being referred to as the "holiest sanctum of the human body" by Bettyann Kevles (Casini).

Medicine and Arts

Elizabeth Jameson is a contemporary artist who has undergone multiple MRI scans after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Initially, Jameson found the images of her brain stripped bare to be dark and frightening, and she was resistant to seeing her brain scans. She sought to find meaning beyond black-and-white medical diagnostics in MRIs through color and art, using Solarplate etching, a printmaking technique (MacCormick). She wanted to use her art to inspire and help others who had to undergo many medical tests and scans like her.

Self Portrait of the Artist's Brain 1, 2009, Painting on Silk, (Sagittal MRI view of the artist's brain) ©Elizabeth Jameson

In the third part of Professor Vesna's lecture, she discusses the connection between plastic surgery and art. French contemporary artist ORLAN challenges beauty standards by using her face and body as artistic mediums. For example, ORLAN mentions that her cosmetic surgeries were not done to conform to prescribed patterns of looking younger or better (artnet). ORLAN's series of works titled "Refiguration/Self-Hybridation" integrates elements from different cultures, histories, and aesthetic references into her appearance, drawing inspiration from the forehead of the Mona Lisa and depictions of women by historically famous male artists (Brand).

Refiguration / Self-Hybridization Pre-Columbian Nº28, 1998

Overall, the intersection between art and medicine can positively impact individuals' imagination and creativity as they delve into the depths of their own bodies.

References:

BRAND, PEG  ZEGLIN. “ORLAN Revisited: Disembodied Virtual Hybrid Beauty.” JSTOR, Indiana University Press, 2013, pp. 306–340.

Casini, Silvia. “Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as mirror and portrait: MRI configurations between science and the Arts.” Configurations, vol. 19, no. 1, Dec. 2011, pp. 73–99, https://doi.org/10.1353/con.2011.0008.

Casini, Silvia. “The Aesthetics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): From the Scientific Laboratory to an Artwork.” Contemporary Aesthetics, 2010, quod.lib.umich.edu/c/ca/7523862.0008.022?view=text;rgn=main.

“Elizabeth Jameson.” Med in Art, 18 Jan. 2018, medinart.eu/works/elizabeth-jameson/.

MacCormick, Author Holly, et al. “Patient Advocate Uses MRI Scans to Create Art and Spark Conversations about Life with Illness.” Scope, Logo Left ContentLogo Right Content Scope Stanford University School of Medicine blog, 28 Apr. 2023, scopeblog.stanford.edu/2018/10/16/patient-advocate-uses-mri-scans-to-create-art-and-spark-conversations-about-life-with-illness/.

Images:

“Elizabeth Jameson.” Med in Art, 18 Jan. 2018, medinart.eu/works/elizabeth-jameson/.

New Program Combines Medicine, Arts - Umaine Research, umaine.edu/research/2019/10/01/new-program-combines-medicine-arts/. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.

“Orlan.” Stux Gallery, www.stuxgallery.com/exhibitions/orlan?view=slider#12. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.