Week 4: Art and MedTech

  Art and MedTech

10 Examples of X-Ray Art
X-Ray Art

    When thinking about MedTech and art my first thought was of X-Ray art pieces that use the body and other objects in an X-Ray image. Some artists may alter existing X-Rays and some may manipulate objects to create a specific image that appears on the X-Ray. I always found this type of art to be incredibly compelling because it uses the internal appearance of objects to convey a message. 

ACL Reconstruction (Patellar Tendon ...
ACL-Patella Tendon Graft! 

This week’s lectures increased my liking and respect for MedTech art because it is incredibly diverse. I never considered surgery as an art form until it was mentioned in a lecture because the purpose is largely to give aid to people. However, surgery is commonly referred to as a performance because surgeons are skillfully reconstructing or repairing body parts to restore or alter them. Even though we focused on plastic surgery in lectures, I think all forms of surgery can qualify as art. Last January, I had ACL repair surgery and my surgeon reconstructed a new ACL ligament by taking part of my patella tendon out. He created an entirely new and almost abstract ligament for me out of another body part; my new knee ligament can be considered a MedTech art piece. 

Don't Peform Self-brain Surgery, Surreal Other by ...
Self-Surgery


I was surprised by how MedTech artists go above and beyond with their creativity in technology incorporation and advancement. I thought the artists being dedicated to their projects enough to perform or endure surgery on themselves was admirable (and a bit crazy!). It was hard for me to watch the clips and look at the pictures of the surgery because I am uncomfortable with anything sharp touching skin and blood. I could never imagine going through surgery on myself for that reason, but it is a valid form of expression that draws a lot of attention. 


References 

“Artificial Intelligence Trailer HQ (2001).” YouTube, YouTube, 29 Aug. 2008, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECGnWoQgz6Q.

Kac, Eduardo. Eduardo Kac, www.ekac.org/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Patricia Olynyk, patriciaolynyk.com/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Vesna, Victoria. “Intro" April 23, 2024. UCLA Lecture.

Vesna, Victoria. “Human Body & Medical Technologies" April 23, 2024. UCLA Lecture.

Vesna, Victoria. “Human Body & Medical Technologies part 2" April 23, 2024. UCLA Lecture.

Vesna, Victoria. “Human Body & Medical Technologies part 3" April 23, 2024. UCLA Lecture.

Vesna, Victoria. “Human Body & Medical Technologies part 4" April 23, 2024. UCLA Lecture.


Images

Aristoche. Perform Self-Brain Surgery. 12 Mar. 2009. Foundmyself, https://www.foundmyself.com/aristoche/art/dont-peform-self-brain-surgery/31699.

Isaac, Messel. Examples of X Ray Art. 18 Feb. 2014. TrendHunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/xray-art.

ViewMedica. ACL Reconstruction (Patellar Tendon Graft Technique). Willis Knighton Health, https://www.wkhs.com/health-resources/wk-health-library/medical-procedures-tests-care-and-management/neurological/spine/acl-reconstruction-(patellar-tendon-graft-technique).



Comments

  1. Gillian ChengApril 24, 2024 at 1:02 PM

    Hi Katherine,

    I found your post about x-ray art very interesting. This broadened my knowledge and understanding of Medicine and art. I agree how these medical instruments could be used to create art while looking at what's on the inside, communicating a bigger meaning towards the art that can't be achieved with a mere photograph. I also like how you mentioned surgery as art because it is very intricate and creative. It is similar to making bead bracelets and it is used to create something beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. quentinwolfeDESMA9April 28, 2024 at 11:37 AM

    Art using x-rays is yet another form of art that I never would have thought of before this. It is cool to know that art is constantly innovating and incorporating other sectors such as medical technologies. I have always found many forms of art not understandable, and many of the artworks and artists that were mentioned this week continue to stretch the boundaries of what I can see as art. Although I personally do not see most surgeries as art, I find it interesting that you were able to connect ACL surgery to art. I'm sure that this kind of thinking is exactly what continues to expand what is and isn't art.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Au VoMay 13, 2024 at 3:42 AM

    Hi Katherine,
    I really enjoyed reading about how x-ray can be integrated with art. This unique art form sits right at the intersection of medicine and art, which is something I am extremely interested in. As a pre-health student, I am always interested in the different applications of medical technology. Your writing is eloquent and you tied in your personal experiences to the intersection of MedTech and art very well.

    ReplyDelete

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