The Body Electric digital art exhibit annually showcases an inspiring selection of visual art, in a range of media, including photography, drawing, painting, sculpture and film.
We recently spoke with one of the curators, Dr. Lisa Richardson, about this unique event.
Can you tell us a bit about the background of The Body Electric (TBE) and where the idea came from?
Lisa Richardson (LR): Initially inspired by CCME’s White Coat Warm HeART exhibit, Dr. Jason Frank thought it would be really great to bring art into ICRE in some way. Because I have a background in art, Jason approached me to see what we could bring to ICRE. Since ICRE is edgy and innovative, and embraces technology, we asked ourselves could there be a way to do a digital art show. This way, we could have a record of it and it would be much easier to accept submissions and share broadly.
What is your role with TBE?
LR: I, along with Dr. Allison Crawford, am a curator of the exhibit. Together, we teach a class at the Art Gallery of Ontario, and both have a strong interest in healthcare humanity, and the role of art in healthcare education.
Alongside a dedicated advisory and jury, we determine the theme of the show, put out a call for submissions, select submissions and then craft the show based upon selected submissions. We work with a digital artist to create a viewing experience that showcases the art.
This year’s theme is change and social action within medicine and healthcare. What does this mean?
LR: We know that if you look at art and artistic practice, you’ll notice that artists are pushing boundaries and challenging us to look at things in a different way through their art. If we’re thinking about transformation and change, and action-based approaches to doing things, art can be a way to make meaningful social change.
For artists interested in submitting, what advice would you give them?
LR: Stay true to your artistic practice. We’re not asking you to change your approach based on the artistic production of this exhibit, but think about ways in that work that you produce can be linked to transformation and change in healthcare world.
Why should ICRE participants check out this exhibit?
LR: This is a way to expand your thinking about healthcare and healthcare for education. It’s innovative, beautiful, and aesthetically pleasing. Hopefully you will be transformed by viewing the work!
Submit! Be part of the dialogue. Help us create this space. Take action through art.
The deadline for submission is July 21, 2017.
Click here for more information.