CONVERSATIONs
This series of conversations brings together brilliant scientists, artists and cultural thinkers to investigate some thorny issues at the heart of 21st century medicine. Guest speakers will present their perspective on the theme at hand, there will be a panel discussion and an opportunity to ask questions.
POWER Charisma and authority in medical practice
30 October | 7-9pm | Free
Wellcome Collection,
183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
From the charismatic faith healer to the heroic consultant to the unassuming charm of Dr. Harold Shipman, this provocative evening of discussion reflects on the complex web of power dynamics at play between doctor and patient. How has power of the medical profession been celebrated, mediated, manufactured, harnessed or abused throughout history?
Speakers
Faith McLellan, The Lancet
Brian Hurwitz, Professor of Art and Medicine, Kings College London
Elaine Showalter Author of The Female Malady and Hystories
Thomas Csordas, Professor of Anthropology, University of California, San
Diego
SOLD OUT | Tel: 020 7611 2222
HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS Dignity and medicine
5 November | 7-9pm | Free
Dana Centre,
Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DD
In the UN's Human Development Report 2002, a decent standard of healthcare is described as a human right 'inherent in human freedom and dignity'. How fragile is the relationship between medical care and human rights and how are these rights 'performed' by doctors, patients, states and nations?
Speakers
Richard Ashcroft, Professor of Bioethics at Queen Mary, University of London
Paul Heritage Director of Peoples Palace Projects
Vivienne Nathanson, Director of Professional Activities, British Medical Association
Nick Ridout, Head of Drama, Queen Mary, University of London
Book Online | Tel: 020 7942 4040
THE MEDICAL GAZE
Detachment and empathy in medicine and art
2 December | 7-9pm | £10 (£8
conc)
Starr Auditorium, Tate Modern,
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
How do different artists represent, challenge, and engage with the ‘'medical gaze'? What can medicine and the arts learn from each other about how each identifies, deconstructs and then reassembles the objects or subjects of its attention? Do artists and doctors face similar dilemmas in patrolling the ethical dimensions of their work?
Speakers
Artists Bobby Baker and Kira O'Reilly
Kamaldeep Bhui, Professor of Cultural Psychiatry, Barts and the London
Book Online | Tel: 020 7887 8888
THE INVENTION OF THE BODY
A
visual journey through the evolution of Anatomical Art
4 December | 7-9pm | Free
Wellcome Collection,
183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
Sarah Simblet, acclaimed artist and author of Anatomy for the Artist, unveils the extraordinary construction of the human body and examines the relationship between the sympathetic disciplines of anatomy and art. How have visual artists understood and interpreted flesh and bones across the ages. How has their work advanced scientific inquiry?
Speaker
Sarah Simblett
Book Online | Tel: 020 7611 2222
embodiment Body, mind and medicine
11 December | 7-9pm | £10 (£8
concessions)
Starr Auditorium, Tate Modern,
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Is there a rift between mind and body in western medicine? Celebrated neuroscientist and best selling author Antonio Damasio explodes dualistic ideas about intelligence and emotion, creativity and rationality, feelings and facts, arts and science, and investigates how contemporary neurology may enrich our understanding of how our bodies function and communicate with each other.
Speakers
Antonio Damasio, Professor of Neurology at the University of Southern California and author of Descartes’ Error and The Feeling of What Happens
Guest artists
Book Online | Tel: 020 7887 8888
•
Power
• Health and Human Rights
• The Medical Gaze
• The Invention of the Body
• Embodiment
