Week 4: Medicine, Technology, and Art

As a psychology major, learning about different scanning technologies, especially MRI and CAT scans, plays a significant role. However, when we talk about art, the concept of medical technology has never entered my mind. An MRI machine harnesses the might of powerful magnetic field to align the magnetization of atoms within the body that utilizes its recorded information to construct an image of the scanned area of the body (Vesna). Raymond Vahan Damadian, an Armenian-American medical practitioner and inventor of the first MRI machine, has contributed significantly to the invasiveness of the human body in the practice of medicine derived from ancient times. In contrast, during the Renaissance era, artists delved into the dissection of the human body to perfectly represent its form (Vesna). However, with the groundbreaking invention of the first MRI scan, medical technologies are going in a direction where it is non-invasive, blurring the lines between science and art. As MRI started to enter the domain of art practice, the artist Justine Cooper utilized MRI in her art to create her video animation called RAPT I (Casini). 


MRI Scanner

Various artworks were created with the idea of implementing CT, MRI, or PET scans in mind. First, the physician must obtain a clear history and understanding of their patient’s pain to provide quality care. Virgil Wong and Katie McCurdy have designed an app for patients to track and communicate their symptoms over time (Wong). With this app, patients will have portraits drawn of them, and they can record data on the daily occurrence of each symptom, including their severity, to help resolve their symptoms. 


Symptom Data Portrait


Moreover, the fascinating story of Elizabeth Jameson reveals the life-changing power of art in the face of adversity, as she fell in love with the smell and feel of paint due to the images of her MRI scan (MacCormick). Jameson experienced a condition where she could not speak or write and later progressed to the point where she could no longer walk or stand. The images of her brain were “tattooed” on her forehead, and she refused to look at her own brain images (MacCormick). However, over time, she embraced them. Adding vibrant colors to each image reflected her strength and resolve to overcome obstacles. Through this process, Jameson regained control of her life and highlighted the deep link between art and healing, as she has also gained fans around the world with her inspiring work of art. 


Elizabeth Jameson's Art




Work Cited:

Casini, Silvia. “Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as Mirror and Portrait: MRI Configurations between Science and the Arts.” Configurations, vol. 19, 2011, pp. 73-99. The Johns Hopkins University Press and the Society for Literature and Science.

MacCormick, Holly, et al. “Patient advocate uses MRI scans to create art and spark conversations about life with illness.” Scope, Stanford Medicine, 16 October 2018, https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2018/10/16/patient-advocate-uses-mri-scans-to-create-art-and-spark-conversations-about-life-with-illness/.

Vesna, Victoria. “Lecture Part 1: Human Body & Medical Technologies.” BruinLearn, 9 November 2017, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/183769/pages/unit-4-view?module_item_id=6671243.

Vesna, Victoria. “Lecture Part 2: Human Body & Medical Technologies.” BruinLearn, 9 November 2017, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/183769/pages/unit-4-view?module_item_id=6671243.

Wong, Virgil. “Symptom Data Portraits.” Virgil Wong: Artist + Digital Technologist Transforming Human Health, https://www.virgilwong.com/.


Image Cited:

MacCormick, Holly, et al. “Patient advocate uses MRI scans to create art and spark conversations about life with illness.” Scope, Stanford Medicine, 16 October 2018, https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2018/10/16/patient-advocate-uses-mri-scans-to-create-art-and-spark-conversations-about-life-with-illness/.

Marcin, Judith. “MRI Scans: Definition, uses, and procedure.” Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146309#what-is-an-mri-scan.

Wong, Virgil. “Symptom Data Portraits.” Virgil Wong: Artist + Digital Technologist Transforming Human Health, https://www.virgilwong.com/.



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