Recently, the official launch of What We Carry, a collaborative art-science project led by artist Marysa Dowling was celebrated at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. The project explores the lived experiences of chronic pain, supported by our BRC Pain Theme.
The evening aimed to introduce this unique project to a wider audience, share the creative and scientific processes behind it, and spark a conversation about how art can deepen our understanding of pain. The project itself is a collection of photography and narrative, shaped by five individuals living with chronic pain. Working alongside Marysa, they visualised their pain, finding new ways to articulate experiences often overlooked in clinical settings.
The audience at the event, an intimate group of around 20, was as diverse as the project itself: people with lived experience, artists, scientists, clinicians, and members of the public came together to celebrate the launch.
Marysa’s website presentation sparked lively discussion, with the audience reflecting on the creative process, the powerful collaboration between art and science, and how artistic perspectives can reveal aspects of living with pain often missed in clinical settings. The group also highlighted the emotional impact and accessibility of the artwork, and shared ideas for expanding the project and creating more opportunities for participation and dialogue.
One attendee said, “It was an absolute delight to hear about and discover your work” while another noted, ‘Fascinating discussion! The project could really lead to fundamental change and new ways of viewing and managing pain.”
Organiser, OH BRC Pain Theme Manager Katja Wiech told us: “The energy in the room made clear that What We Carry is just the beginning. The conversations sparked at the launch affirmed the importance of creating spaces where lived experience, art, and science meet – and they have already inspired ideas for how the project can grow.”
The exhibition runs until 6 December. More details can be found on our website.
