Expressionism in the ward: medical student illustrates the art of reading emotions
Credit: Paul Smith
Drop by the Maurice Shock Building this week and you’ll come across a thought-provoking exhibition of sketches and paintings that will ask you to consider what really is 'written all over your face'.
Have you ever wondered about the non-verbal cues we give off in our facial expressions? If you were a doctor how could you tell from a patient’s face that they are angry or fearful? Have you ever been with a colleague and noticed that your comment has resulted in an expression of sadness?
Final-year student Graeme Pettifer from our Medical School produced these works as part of his elective project which examined interpreting facial expressions and focused on the work of psychologist Professor Paul Ekman. Through it, he has tried to explore an area central to the medical consultation and an essential element of good team working – needless to say, these are issues that go to the heart of being a good doctor.
‘Facial expressions: indicators of underlying emotion’ will be on display in the Maurice Shock Building, Room G26B, until 1 June.
