use of portraiture to foster humanistic care

It has been said that a picture says thousand words, art should speak for itself. Within the social sciences, there is recognition images are not merely illustrations, but “texts” can be read, studied and interpreted in different ways: they visual narratives. When we look at work of art, respond with our own thoughts, feelings ideas about what it communicates. portrait specifically, just looking an individual, someone being looked at. record interaction, as much likeness person. The artist-sitter relationship common doctor patient involving trust, attention, openness to ambiguity creativity. As clinicians tired feeling overwhelmed, may objectify patients. Engaging help hone skills consistently see whole provides freedom sit maintain curiosity us become more flexible thinking, hold multiple possibilities mind same time. Viewing group opportunities understand appreciate others’ perspectives. Drawing on portraiture projects related pediatric epilepsy, youth mental health dementia, this presentation will provide constructive ways which used foster humanistic, centred care, power distributed cognition.