UCalgary scientists’ work to be showcased in art exhibit

It’s not every day that scientific research sparks artistic expression, but that’s what Dr. Sandra Dumanski, MD, a clinician-scientist at the Cumming School of Medicine, has set in motion.

On Sunday May 25, from 1–4 p.m., the opening of The HeART of Women’s Health: At the Intersection of Art and Science exhibition will take place at cSPACE Marda Loop. This Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)-funded Café Scientifique and public art exhibition features collaborative artistic works inspired by women’s cardiovascular science and the Libin Cardiovascular Institute scientists behind it. 

“This event was born out of the idea that there are lots of ways to communicate scientific knowledge to the public,” says Dumanski, CIHR grant recipient and event lead. “I am really inspired to use art as a novel medium to communicate with the public as a scientist. This will be a very exciting event.” 

Dumanski’s project paired six women’s cardiovascular health scientists with six Calgary-based visual artists. The scientists discussed their research into women’s cardiovascular health with the artists, who interpreted the scientific work into meaningful visual art. 

Dumanski, who studies the links between infertility, fertility treatment and cardiovascular health, was paired with Paityn Savoie, a Métis-Cree illustrator. Savoie’s work merges natural elements with an unsettling touch and often reflects the rugged, rural aesthetic of the prairies and the plants and animals that inhabit them. 

Both artist and scientist had unique, personal experiences while undertaking the project. 

“I have struggled with medical issues myself, so this art aligns perfectly with me,” says Savoie. “The piece feels very personal.”

Savoie says the resulting piece speaks to the importance of nurturing our bodies—especially for those who carry the weight of reproductive struggles—and to the strength and resilience required in the face of infertility.

“As a Two-Spirit person, I hope this work helps the Indigenous community feel seen in their pain and persistence, and that others might recognize parts of themselves in it too,” Savoie says.

Dumanski says working with Savoie offered her an opportunity to contemplate her scientific work in a different way. 

“I was asked to complete a dedicated reflection on my work, to identify features of my work that could translate to colour and visual aspects, as well what are the most important ethical values I hold as a scientist,” she says. “It was really neat what that brought out.” 

That reflection was successful. Savoie was able to create a create a piece using woodland flora and fauna that translated Dumanski’s scientific expertise. 

Through this process, Dumanski also realized how her research affects her in a more personal way. 

“My introspection and reflection allowed me to see how I fit into my work,” says Dumanski. “I learned a lot about myself and that there are many ways to communicate about science. It was an amazing experience.” 

In addition to Savoie and Dumanski’s piece, the art show will spotlight artistic collaborations exploring key aspects of women’s cardiovascular health, including menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

At the exhibit launch, attendees can look forward to the unveiling of the featured artwork, a panel discussion with the six scientists behind the project, an opportunity to speak with the artists, and the debut of six short videos capturing the perspectives of both the artists and scientists about the collaborative experience.

The event will also showcase community-submitted artworks in a range of media, all centered on the theme of women’s cardiovascular health.

Dumanski, the Community Engagement Lead for the Libin Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative, says its important that scientists communicate their research to the public. 

 “We know that one in three Canadian women have cardiovascular disease, and that women of all ages and at all stages of life can be affected,” she says. “Many women aren’t aware of their cardiovascular risk, so events like this are important for raising awareness and empowering people to maintain and/or improve their cardiovascular health and wellness.” 

The launch event is free and open to the public, please register here. The HeART of Women’s Health: At the Intersection of Art and Science will be on display at cSPACE from May 25 to June 2. 

This project was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Libin Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative, and cSPACE.