Knitted Body Materiality

The project deals with the representation of the inner body through the medium of textile art. In an intact person, one cannot see what is under his or her skin. Looking inside the body is not easy for people without medical training, especially for children. Nevertheless, it may become necessary to understand what is hidden in there. Now experience has shown that knitted objects are perceived as pleasant and familiar. Wool awakens a desire to look at and touch anatomical structures that one would otherwise be reluctant to behold, let alone touch. Instead of the natural feeling of disgust, a positive attitude towards the image of the inner body will emerge. Knitted anatomy can be aimed at different target groups. With children, it can be about stimulating curiosity for medical matters in a playful way (the stomach suddenly seems as familiar as the beloved teddy bear). For unstable patients, it can be a relief if medical information before an intervention can be given in a gentle way. People who are generally interested in art and the body may enjoy the beauty of knitted objects. Medical professionals might find relaxation from their work through art, apart from the routine of their daily duties. An important part of the project is to evaluate the psychological impact of this form of representation through questionnaires and interviews. The project claims that all structures are represented in a medically correct way. The inside of the body is presented as scientifically accurate as wax models would be. As a visual medium, photographs of knitted anatomy can be utilised as instructional images in information brochures, animated videos or in an anatomy atlas. So-called "anatomical theatres" were common for teaching at universities in earlier times. A presentation of knitted objects is also seen as a continuation of these public dissections to some extent, however without using original human body material and therefore ethically more acceptable. The project is supported by a scientific advisory board that brings together experts from art, medicine and the social sciences. Head of the project is Katharina Sabernig, who will produce the textile objects and coordinate and develop the content of the project. Tatia Skhirtladze, an experienced filmmaker, will produce videos on the topic as an artistic contributor. Barbara Graf, an accomplished specialist in textiles and arts design, will focus her attention on the materials and their sustainability. Stephan Fischer will supervise students from the University of Applied Arts in creating 3D scans and animations. The development of a "choreography of anatomy teaching" for children will be supported by director and theatre pedagogue Nora Dirisamer.