by Yvone Denbina
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Section of Integrated Ethics, headed by Dr. Colleen Gallagher, exhibited the Bioethics Art Competition 2011 and 2013 winners on August 29, 2014. The exhibit was on display all day and was also the focus of a reception within the Faculty Café hosted and organized by Dr. Warren Holleman. Approximately 200 staff members, doctors, invited guests and bioethicists viewed the exhibit’s 31 pieces.
The winners, 11 in 2011 and 15 in 2013 ranged in age from 13 to 79 and represented 29 countries. Additionally, 5 board members created and donated their work for the benefit of the competition. In 2011, the theme of the competition was: “Be inspired to contemplate human life with wonder and compassion.” In 2013, the theme was “Create an image, with respect for all cultures and religions that speaks to the impact of life sciences for present and future generations. Illustrate Love, Compassion and Care.” The concept of inviting artists to express their ideas visually and through a written statement furthers the mission of fostering convergence of science and art, with respect and care for all human beings. In these two competitions, Bioethics Art Competition has awarded $26,400 in awards to artists. The Bioethics Art Competition will continue to create new events and initiatives that will inspire dialogue of global ethics.
The new challenge in 2015 is, “Express the Gift of Healing: Body, Mind and Spirit”. Bioethics Art Competition sends an appeal to artists, students, creative individuals of every nation to lend their interpretation, images and words to spread the focus of concern, compassion and love for all beings. Check the website, www.bioethicsart.org for more details and the images of previous winners.
M.D. Anderson is the latest venue for the exhibition of winners. Other sites have been The United Nations Gallery in New York, New York; Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University, Rome, Italy; St. Thomas University, Houston, TX; Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church, The Woodlands, TX; Old Town Spring Museum, Spring,TX; Hong Kong Baptist University and Hong Kong University, Hong Kong.
Additional exhibition sites, competition dates, categories and awards will be posted on the website, www.bioethicsart.org.
