Darian Stahl

Vanier Scholar - PhD Humanities

I’m using my background as an artist to reinterpret illness through printmaking. By combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with images of daily life, I am working with patients to show what it is really like to live with an illness, and to demonstrate other ways of approaching health care. 

My long-term goal is to start more departments of medical humanities in North America.

I initially expected a lot of resistance from health experts when I introduced my artwork, which combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with images of daily life. Instead, I received nothing but support and enthusiasm for creating a space for art to re-enter the medical field. 

By reinterpreting MRI scans within a fine arts context, I want to demonstrate that there are a lot of ways to approach health care. A lot of people want to show this work in their medical schools, which is exactly where I want it to be.