Research News
GLASSBODY – Reflecting on Becoming Transparent
Following its successful premier run at the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, GLASSBODY, a performance and video installation created by Anna Furse, Director and Lecturer in the Department of Drama, showcased at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust earlier this year.
Drawing on the tradition of 17th century anatomical lessons, recorded in many paintings of the time, GLASSBODY recognises and reflects on the abiding overlapping of scientific and artistic portrayals of the interior world of the human body. It questions where we draw the line between medical, diagnostic motive, and the sheer delight of becoming see-through.
The
piece explores an emotional relationship to the interior human body and
contemplates how the body is presented as spectacular in our
contemporary, digitalised, medical environment. “Specifically it
refers us to ultrasound scanning, where, in Assisted Reproduction
protocols, it is used throughout gestation, from ovulation to embryo
transfer to diagnostic scanning of the baby in utero,”
explains Anna. “This piece locates the power of such imagery in our
imaginations and self-awareness. It also muses on its heritage via
other forms of imaging, X-ray and the military derivation of sonar
research.
“It blends multi-scale film
projection, live performance and composed sound in a sensory, visceral
and poetic narrative to question our physical presence in a
technological age. In short: how do we feel when we see inside?”
Anna
researched the performance with the Imaging Department, Assisted
Conception Unit and Hospital Arts at the Chelsea & Westminster
Hospital and with the scientific mentoring of Professor Stuart Campbell
at Create Health. The production was developed and produced with
support from the Wellcome Trust and Arts Council England. GLASSBODY’s
tour is made possible with the support of Arts Council England, the
London Arts and Health Forum, and the co-operation of Professor Brian
Hurwitz, Kings College.
A commissioned radio adaptation ‘MY GLASS BODY’ was broadcast on BBC R3 The Wire drama series, starring Barbara Flynn and Jack Klaff.
For further information see www.athletesoftheheart.org/glassbody or contact Anna on 020 7919 7538 or a.furse (@gold.ac.uk).