Medical students participating in Dalhousie Medical School's Art in Medicine project have put together their fourth annual exhibition, called XXX. The show features artwork from about 25 medical students that explores the theme of sexual dysfunction. The opening reception for the exhibition will be held in the main foyer of the Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building on April 18 at 6 p.m. The show will run until May 5.
Figure. Kate Greenaway, Class of 2004, This is not desire, 2002. Image transfer on cloth. “This is: a) an answer to P.J. Harvey b) a question to Freud c) an apology to slighted lovers d) something to sleep on.”
Figure. Ian Mackay, Class of 2004, The Gruesome Fiction, 2002. Mixed media. “This piece is meant to provoke thought about a problem of sexual dysfunction not often spoken aloud: that of sexual oppression. The ideology of religion may clash harshly with that of sexual liberation. For instance, examine the idea that the act of coitus is reserved specifically for propagation of the species, and that sex for the sake of pleasure is sinful. Also take into account the religions that condemn sexual acts between adults of the same phenotypic sex. For people growing up in an environment where their sexual practice may not match that of the norm, or of the religious backgrounds from which they come, the psychological impact on sexual health can be devastating. Fear of being perceived as deviant by others or of feeling deviant may increase anxiety and reduce enjoyment during sex to the point of anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction, delayed or premature ejaculation, painful intercourse or complete abstinence. The idea of sexual oppression can also be translated to the male/female dominant/submissive relationship that still exists to a large degree in our patriarchal society. The first step in the eradication of sexual oppression is the equalization of sexual power gained through the realization that an imbalance truly exists.”
The goal of the project is to allow medical students to learn about medicine in an alternative way. We have tried to choose themes for our shows that allow us to explore topics that have a broad range of medical, personal and social issues. This year's theme of sexual dysfunction fits those requirements perfectly. We have chosen the title XXX to portray something taboo or forbidden. We feel that sexual dysfunction is an important medical issue that most people are able to laugh about, but few are able to talk about seriously. This project allows us, as future medical practitioners, to face an important subject with thoughtfulness and to demonstrate to the public that we are comfortable addressing this issue. From year to year, the students' artworks have focused on the patient as a whole person, elucidating issues that sometimes get swept under the clinical carpet. This year is no different. — Jonah Samson, Class of 2002, Dalhousie University, Halifax
Figure. Paige King, Class of 2002, Untitled. Acrylic on canvas. Text by Jamie Brown, Class of 2002:
Here's Red Riding Hood Stuck in this godawful woods. Yo Red! See the Wolf?
Check out her basket. It's been so long since he's had a taste of her treats.
She won't give them up. She wants to, but can't let go. They're both so fed up.