Anatomical Perspectives

Exploring the advances in science in the visualisation of anatomical variations across human populations, we can justify that scientific practices studied in biology can be leant to photographic practices to aid in the capturing of individuals in communities. With just over 6000 phenotypes that generate genetic disorders, the awareness of variations in molecular growths has developed over time with the introduction of resources like 'Dr. Victor A. McKusick's database for Mendelian Inheritance in Man' (Amberger, 2009), and the development of DNA testing available to patients on the NHS making the aftercare of patients more successful in the long-run. However, the gap in the public's understanding of genetic malformations is present when encountering bodies that are not typical, leading towards a misunderstanding and an innate fear of the foreign. With 'Anatomical Perspectives' I aim to shine a light on the correlations between science and art, through the medium of scientific informed visual post-production, previsualization of anatomy through 3D printing and the use of studies on genetic disorders to contextualize bodies as original art pieces and to raise awareness to disabilities. Whilst creating the project I utilized scientific practices such as microbiology where I cultured my own bacteria on portraits, collected blood samples from myself and imprinted them on negatives, and 3D printed my own XRAYs revisualizing my bones as art. Throughout the project, I had included sketches of my body with pencils, then painted in Ph tones from taking acidic tests on the medication I take.