By Ptolemy Elrington

COUNTRY: United Kingdom

DISEASE: Psoriasis

FORMAT: Mixed Media Sculpture

ARTIST’S SUMMARY

This beetle is heading somewhere. It has purpose and strength and is preparing to fly. We often feel small under the eyes of others, and with a visible and constantly uncomfortable affliction this can cause us to feel reduced to the status of an insect. But everything has a place, and therefore everybody has validity which we must strive to recognize, and must strive to apply to how we view ourselves and others. This patient’s moment of meaning centers on hope, progression and potential.

PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE

“For over 17 years Psoriasis had become the essence of me, dominating family life. I was isolated, fearful and self-loathing, overwhelmed by long periods of hospitalization and endless clinical appointments. Although my Psoriasis is not cured, since 2005 it has become manageable. Psoriasis reminds me of its presence at the least convenient times. It no longer holds me back but propels me on to make my voice heard in improving the services available to other sufferers.”

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.