HIDDEN AGENDA: Carol Chase BjerkeNov 06, 2009 to Feb 19, 2010 | |
The Museum of Surgical Sciences1524 N. Lakeshore DriveChicago IL, 60610 United States | |
| Time: | Tues. thru Sat. 10am to 4pm |
| Phone Number: | (312) 642-6502 |
| Contact: | Carol Bjerke cleechasebjerke@mindspring.com |
| URL: | www.imss.org |
| Description: | Opening Reception November 6, 2009, 5 to 8pm Hidden Agenda is a large installation about living with an ostomy in the aftermath of two occurrences of colo-rectal cancer. The artwork is made from medical supplies, their packing materials, and a variety of other media. An ostomy is a surgical reconfiguration of the intestine to create a stoma, or opening in the abdominal wall through which body wastes pass. There are many medical reasons for doing this, and something upwards of 75,000 of these procedures are performed each year. In an age of sophisticated technological and medical advances, the idea of pulling a person’s intestine out through their belly so their feces can pour out all the time seems like an anathema more suited to history book images of barbaric tools and stop-gap measures on ancient battlefields. Hopefully this artwork will raise awareness and ultimately lead to new and better treatments for people with gastrointestinal diseases. Carol Chase Bjerke is a visual artist who lives and works in Madison, WI. Her book Hidden Agenda book describes the artwork, and was published by Borderland Books in 2008. Photo is an installation view showing the following pieces:
Recognition (a.k.a. “Our Lady of Perpetual Defecation”) 2003 and on-going Mixed media with ribbon, retired ostomy pouch clips, and acrylic resin board. 66” x 36” x 36” Stoma Wall 2005 – 2006 |
| Event Type: | Exhibition |
