A photography exhibition highlighting the beauty of people who live with physical differences due to genetic variations is currently on display at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC). “The New Faces of Genetics and Beyond” is a portrait collection from Positive Exposure, a New York-based nonprofit organization that promotes a more inclusive world through award-winning photography, films, exhibitions, lectures and educational programs. Comprised of dozens of images hanging in the main mall of DHMC, the creators of this gallery hope to contribute to creating a more compassionate, understanding, and respectful community.
“The New Faces of Genetics and Beyond” has traveled to numerous hospitals around the United States and the world, including the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and NYU Langone in New York City. The exhibition was brought to DHMC by Marianne L. Barthel, director of the Dartmouth Health arts and humanities program, working with William A. Nelson, PhD, MDiv, professor and director of the Ethics and Human Values program at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and Eleonore B. Baughan, a student at Geisel.
“Art can evoke many emotions, from joy to sadness,” Barthel said. “It can also be a tool to have uncomfortable conversations and break down stigma. Photos can give a new perspective on how we view our fellow humans. We are honored to host this empowering exhibit to help foster conversations that work to address stigma and ethical challenges surrounding people with genetic differences. Positive Exposure founder Rick Guidotti’s spectacular photography on display as part of ‘The New Faces of Genetics and Beyond’ celebrates beauty in all its diverse, magnificent forms and reminds us of our common connection: we are all human.”
The organizers of the exhibition have also created a series of educational events surrounding the exhibition. Some of these events include an upcoming Grand Rounds presentation with Guidotti, and a self-guided narrative medicine experience at the exhibition site developed by Kathryn B. Kirkland, MD, section chief and director of palliative care at DHMC.
“The New Faces of Genetics and Beyond” is on display at DHMC until June 10. For more information, contact Barthel at Marianne.L.Barthel@hitchcock.org or visit https://positiveexposure.org/gallery/.
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