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AbbVie has created an art gallery to illustrate the impact of chronic inflammatory diseases.
With ‘Perspectives – Art, Inflammation and Me’, the pharma company hopes to add a different dimension to the understanding of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) and their impact.
The initiative brings together more than 200 artists with patients in over 40 countries. They have created a series of paintings, sculptures, photos and other artistic expressions that vividly depict the impact of IMIDs, which include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis.
Inspired by patients’ stories, artists and art students created each piece to help more people better understand the burdens associated with some of these chronic and debilitating conditions.
“Art is a well-established medium to help educate,” said José Miralles, Perspectives judge and professor, Facultad de Belles Arts de València, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain.
“The artistic expressions created through Perspectives vividly bring to life the stories, dreams and challenges of patients living with inflammatory diseases. We hope people can experience the gallery and learn something new about these conditions,” he said.
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More than 100 of the art works produced were shown at the 9th Congress of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) in Copenhagen, Denmark last week. Perspectives will also visit various art galleries and medical conferences throughout the world. Details are yet to be announced.
“The stories and artworks in Perspectives may contribute to the current understanding of these diseases and their impact on patients and society from a very personal and emotional point of view,” said Isidro Villanueva, group therapeutic area lead, medical affairs, immunology, AbbVie.
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