(Un)masking identity: art as autoethnography

2021-03-31

University of Virginia. School of Medicine

"Give a [wo]man a mask and [s]he will tell you the truth." –Oscar Wilde

Since 2010, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's therapeutic arts program has engaged brain-injured and traumatized military veterans in hands-on mask making. Even as they conceal the face, these soldiers' masks vividly reveal secret suffering, declare deeply felt identity and patriotism, signal spiritual wounds and moral strengths, externalize guilt or grief. Making a mask can help its creator to (re)claim identity, and to heal. In this AOA Lecture, physician-educator Mark Stephens and art therapist Melissa Walker discuss the construction of masks as an artful means of recognizing oneself and reflecting on identity, not just for wounded warriors but also for healthcare professionals.

Co-presented with Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society, UVA Chapter

Stephens, Mark B. (Speaker); Walker, Melissa (Speaker); Childress, Marcia Day (Moderator); University of Virginia. School of Medicine

Claude Moore Health Sciences Library

Filmed lectures

Medical education; Art therapy

Medical Center Hour

Claude Moore Health Sciences Library

English

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1 online resource (1 video file, 60:53 min.) : sound, color