This exhibition documents current medical students at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Each student was first photographed "in their element"--in a space where they felt comfortable. The photos were then completely de-saturated and then printed on canvas to represent the depersonalization that medical school often instills on entering classes, as well as the constant disorientation that comes with embracing a completely new and uncertain world. The colors painted back onto the canvas, using a unique technique of oil paint washes, represents the uniqueness of each individual that shines through the uniformity. By capturing portraits of their classmates in their element, as they are, the artists showcase the human faces of future physicians who will be caring for patients at the Wexner Medical Center and at hospitals nationwide.
Art and medicine are frequently held in separate spheres. By creating physical portraits of medical students, the artists deliberately seek to place images of future healthcare providers in an environment meant for humanistic expression. In doing so, they allow the audience to view the individuals on the canvases not as medical students or future physicians, but as human beings, with complex lives and interests that lie beyond the healthcare field.
Biographies:
Phillip Anjum is a fourth-year medical student at the Ohio State University College of Medicine. Throughout his time in medical school, he has honed his skills as a photographer and videographer. His work focuses on capturing intersections between art and medicine. This most recent collaboration allows him to challenge the limitations of traditional digital photography while simultaneously showcasing the strength of artistic collaboration between medical students. He is currently applying to residency programs with plans to practice primary care.
Elizabeth Auckley is a third-year medical student at the Ohio State University College of Medicine. Elizabeth has practiced oil and watercolor painting during her medical education with a growing interest in portraiture. This collaboration has expanded her work to mixed media and a new technique, using washes of oil paint, to shine light on the wonderful humanity of her peers and collaborator, Phil. Elizabeth is completing clinical rotations and excited to explore her interest in internal medicine.
Behind the White Coat is presented in partnership with Urban Arts Space's Hybrid Arts Lab, a multi-venue learning lab that experiments with how art is imagined, made, viewed and understood.
