Spectral Medical Imaging
M.ake R.eal I.mprovements #8 2018
pigment print on metallic paper.
M.ake R.eal I.mprovements #9 2018
pigment print on metallic paper.
M.ake R.eal I.mprovements #6 2018
pigment print on metallic paper.
M.ake R.eal I.mprovements is a series exploring my dual diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neurosarcoidosis. It shares my journey looking for meaning after diagnosis, using this to support recovery mentally and physically.
I have had numerous MRIs – the images are incredible, beautiful and scary. A tiny ‘blip’ could be unrecoverable damage or cause any of my symptoms.
The spectrograph used in the artworks is a recording of the quote: “build an inclusive culture, rather than ask a person to fit around an existing closed culture”.
These works are about my experience with disability and the discrimination I have faced trying to re-enter the workforce while being open and transparent about my condition.
The spectrographs (visual analysis of soundwaves) are overlaid on approximately one in five images – the same statistic as those in Australia living with disability.
Having a disability means being stronger and smarter in many ways – finding alternatives to solve problems that fall within your abilities.
M.ake R.eal I.mprovements #8 received the MS Limited Art Prize Photography and Digital Award in 2019. Check out an article in the Pakenham Gazette here.
Excerpt from the article:
Coming from an artistic background, Cara studied visual arts at university and practiced as a professional artist in Australia and internationally for some time until a career as a curator, cultural heritage expert and organisational director took off.
“Becoming ill has given me an opportunity to start making art again,” Ms Simpson said.
…
Ms Simpson took out the Photography and Digital Award with her piece ‘M.ake R.eal Improvements #8”. She entered the award to become part of the Australian MS community.
“Being part of the MS Art Exhibition is an honour and a privilege on its own. I am so appreciative of the people and artists involved,” she said.
“I was thrilled to receive the award. It means a lot to me and is really helping me to believe in myself, and give me back some of the confidence that was stripped away during my extreme illness and from my diagnosis.”
MS Limited CEO John Blewonski said art is an important way of helping people deal with multiple sclerosis.
“It’s a life changing and debilitating condition that changes a person’s outlook on life. Art is transformational, providing time out from the day to day of living with a chronic illness and a way of expressing how one feels,” Mr Blewonski said.
“The exhibition presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of art that is interesting and affordable, while supporting the work of people living with multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions.”
The inspiration behind Cara-Ann’s piece of artwork was truly personal, basing it off real MRIs of her brain, overlaid with text and spectrographs (soundwaves).
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