By Konstantinos Chatzopoulos

COUNTRY: Greece

DISEASE: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

FORMAT: Graphic Design Poster

ARTIST’S SUMMARY

The artwork depicts two children’s hands and in the background a collage of paintings created by children who suffer from this disease. The hands have a double meaning. At first, they are presented as a part of the body affected by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, but also as a symbol of creativity, strength and determination. The message I want to pass on with this project is a message of optimism, also emitted by the children themselves through colorful paintings.

PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Statements from the children:

• “My mother says that what does not kill you makes you stronger…”
• “I realize every day that my disease has so many different faces…”
• “The only thing I want is to be able to run and play with my friends…”
• “I cherish Summer Camp because I can do so many things there, I can be with friends who feel the same, I can ride a bicycle, swim, play. And I do not need to explain to them WHY it hurts so much sometimes, they simply understand because they suffer too…”

About Perspectives

‘Perspectives – Art, Inflammation and Me’ is an initiative that brings together more than 200 artists with patients in more than 40 countries. Together, they have created a series of paintings, sculptures, photos and other artistic expressions that vividly depict — and help others understand — the impact of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Inspired by patients’ stories, independent artists and students from a number of art universities created each piece to help more people better understand the burdens associated with some of these chronic and debilitating conditions. In addition to independent artists from all parts of the world, students from more than 15 universities coordinated by the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Universitat Politecnica de Valencia) were able to add their “Perspectives.”

Select a thumbnail to see an International image and story.

More than 100 unique artistic expressions from ‘Perspectives – Art, Inflammation and Me’ debuted at the 9th Congress of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) in Copenhagen, Denmark February 20, 2014, generously supported by AbbVie.

Select a thumbnail to see a Canadian image and story.