For centuries, art has shaped society in many ways. From early doctors trying to identify parts of the body to depictions of pain and onward to memorializing beautiful souls. We see these two fields in every day life and it is truly amazing. Furthermore, the juxtaposition of the medical field and the artistic realm has been transformative to the health and formation of society.
When humans starting dissecting bodies, they had to use art in order to make a map of the human body. They had to clearly sketch every detail and shadow in order to identify specific bones, muscles and structures. In addition, it was important to seek the cadavers in order to see the internal anatomy and discover the functions of human parts aside from injury.
According to Virgil Wong, an artist who works with technology to improve human health, "Medicine helps us live longer lives, but art is about why we live"(Virgil Wong). I think this quote is truly profound in building a culture of beauty and longevity. Wong created symptom data portraits to measure pain, which no test can do. Each portrait is beautifully sketched with a different emblem to represent and target the pain each patient was feeling.
Finally, a corporation called Etoy, has dfound a way to preserve the ones we love after death. The companies mission is to use technology to digitally track someones life to keep their soul everlasting. These digital archeives can be used to beautifully represent not just what a person did but who they were. I think thats truly amazing.
Through the use of sketches and digital analysis, art is a massive assistant to the medical and technological fields.
Citations
“Anatomical Drawing of the Muscles and Bones of a Cadaver Seen from the Back: Works of Art: Ra Collection: Royal Academy of Arts.” Anatomical Drawing of the Muscles and Bones of a Cadaver Seen from the Back | Works of Art | RA Collection | Royal Academy of Arts, www.royalacademy.org.uk/art-artists/work-of-art/anatomical-drawing-of-the-muscles-and-bones-of-a-cadaver-seen-from-the-back. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
“Digital Memorial Cemetery.” Designboom, 10 June 2013, www.designboom.com/project/digital-memorial-cemetery/.
The Renaissance Tradition of Using Cadavers in Drawing Classes Is Still Alive | Artsy, www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-renaissance-tradition-cadavers-drawing-classes-alive. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Wong, Virgil. “Artist + Digital Technologist Transforming Human Health.” Virgil Wong, 18 Mar. 2024, www.virgilwong.com/.
Www.missioneternity.org. Mission Eternity / Summary, www.missioneternity.org/summary/. Accessed 25
Apr. 2024.
Hi Genoa,
ReplyDeleteI really liked the quote you included regarding the intersection of medicine and art. I think art is not only about why we live, but also how we live our lives. Engaging with art provides us a potentially new perspective on the world and our experiences within it. I was even more impressed by the portraits that Wong created to measure and address pain. I think the portraits are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also have the power to draw people’s attention to the complexities of the current medical world and foster empathy for those experiencing pain. Thank you for sharing with us!
Hi Genoa, I think an interesting concept to think about is what you mentioned about when humans first started dissecting bodies, and how they used art to make a map of the human body. It is wild to think in this day in age, we can do a quick google search and be presented with precise images of the human anatomy, down to the microscopic level -- in an instant. But early scientists had no other choice than to use art and meticulously sketch out what they were seeing in front of them. The last sentence you wrote about art being an assistant to the medical and technological fields is a interesting perspective, especially considering early anatomists reliance on drawing in order to create accurate medical depictions.
ReplyDeleteHey Genoa!
ReplyDeleteI really really loved the quote you had from Wong connecting medicine and art together. I thought it was a very powerful quote that connects these concepts in a way that I didn't really think of before. I also really enjoyed the symptom portraits you showed us too since they are art pieces, but you can definitely feel the pain that surges through the patient depicted in the image. Thank you so much for sharing!