Unique Art Exhibition, Titled "Vision Quest," Set for Display at Park University
The Campanella Gallery at Park University is kicking off its 2022-23 season with a thought-provoking art exhibit titled "Vision Quest: A Journey of Seeing." The exhibit, running from August 8 to October 28, is a personal journey of retired physician and artist Nancy Tilson-Mallett, who shares her experience with glaucoma through her captivating artworks.
Nancy Tilson-Mallett, a resident of Kansas City, Mo., combines her medical background with artistic expression to create a unique exhibit that expresses her passion for nature, color, and patterns, all while exploring the complexities of biology and medicine. Most of her artworks are silk paintings or complex cloth with intricate embellishments of embroidery, felting, and beading.
The artworks in the exhibit are interpretations of Tilson-Mallett's diagnostic studies, including technical images of her retina and optic nerve. Her diverse techniques visually interpret glaucoma’s effects on vision, using mixed media, painting, and potentially digital art to convey the progressive nature of the disease. The artworks often incorporate abstract and symbolic imagery to represent the visual impairment caused by glaucoma, such as tunnel vision or blurred edges. Some pieces may integrate medical illustrations or data to highlight the clinical aspects of glaucoma blended with personal or emotional perspectives.
Tilson-Mallett was diagnosed with glaucoma at the age of 45. After retiring from the University of Missouri-Kansas City's School of Medicine in 2019, she found solace in art, channeling her experiences into her creations. She now teaches as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Medical Humanities and Bioethics within UMKC's medical school.
An artist reception will be held on Saturday, August 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Gallery. The exhibit will be on display during the Campanella Gallery's regular hours, with extended hours during the summer and fall breaks. For more specific details about the exhibit or local showings, check with local art galleries, medical museums, or announcements from organizations related to vision health or medical arts. Admission to the Gallery is always free.
The Campanella Gallery is located within Norrington Center on the University's Parkville Campus. The Gallery's opening hours during the exhibit are as follows: Summer Break (Aug. 8-14), Fall Break (Oct. 8-16), and regular hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, closed). During Aug. 15-Oct. 7 and Oct. 17-Oct. 28, the gallery is open Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m. The building will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5, for the Labor Day holiday.
Join us at the Campanella Gallery to embark on "Vision Quest: A Journey of Seeing," and experience Tilson-Mallett's powerful and personal exploration of glaucoma through her art.
Nancy Tilson-Mallett's artworks in the "Vision Quest: A Journey of Seeing" exhibit, at the Campanella Gallery, explore the complexities of medical conditions such as glaucoma, focusing on eye health and health and wellness through a unique blend of her medical background and artistic expression. These artworks use various techniques like mixed media, painting, digital art, and intricate embellishments to visually interpret the effects of glaucoma on vision, often incorporating abstract and symbolic imagery to represent the visual impairment caused by this medical condition.
