Cambridge radiologist marries her love of science and art with pandemic painting

Traditionally, art and science have been treated as two separate worlds. When you join them together, the impact can be profound.

Kari Visscher, a radiologist at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, is also an artist.

Her work Frontline has been entered into HealthPro Canada’s #FacesofCanadianHealthcare Contest.

HealthPro is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a national art contest commemorating the tireless efforts of Canadian heroes who devote themselves to the healthcare system every day.

“Frontline was created from all of the emotions of the pandemic. People call us heroes, but we have to treat people. And as I looked at the rest of the world, all of those who died helping others, I guess I did this from a place of sadness,” Visscher explained.

“I wanted to do something to remember them, almost to martyr them. That’s where my emotions came from.”

Entrants can win a $25,000 monetary donation to the healthcare facility of their choice.

“If I win, the recipient will be the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation. There is so much need right now,” Visscher said.

Visscher’s artwork is a 24 x 36-inch oil on linen painting representing the healthcare workers that provide care during the pandemic, despite not always feeling protected.

She said the background in her painting depicts the “hot” chaos of COVID-19 in its cellular form juxtaposed with the “cool” calm of the medical uniform.

“The image in the background is the coronavirus, almost stained glass looking, and like a raging fire. It’s quiet but raging. It’s there. It’s all around us,” Visscher said.

The left-hand gesture in Frontline is based on a symbol used in religious imagery indicating something important is being said.

“The hand signal around the mouth symbolizes this. She is trying to communicate. You see this often in Renaissance painting but with the right hand. Here I wanted to show the ask for the mask. I thought this was so important to be said,” said Visscher.

The mask is the pivotal piece of protection being requested.

“The mask is delicately placed but it is central to the piece,” Visscher said. “And with the draped cloak, I felt like healthcare workers may be heroes, but they also need to do their job. But are they also being sacrificed? Are they heroes or sacrifices? These are some of the feelings I had

when painting Frontline.”

But for Visscher, there is hope in spreading a positive message.

“In the painting, the leg is raised and taking a step. This is not static. Are we walking away or are we walking into something? Everything is changing and we can’t stay still. This virus is dynamic, it’s always changing,” Visscher said.

The painting took eight months to complete.

“My director of staff at the hospital suggested that I enter the competition. I have two young kids and I did this when I could,” Visscher said. “But it was a focus for me, something specific to do. Painting is a release for me.”

Science and art have always been in Visscher's life. She completed a medical degree and earned a Master of Science of Biomedical Communications from the University of Toronto.

Drawn to the visual aspects of medicine, Visscher became a radiologist and has worked at Cambridge Memorial Hospital for three years.

She is currently an adjunct professor at McMaster University. Her radiology paintings and research have been presented at international medical conferences and published in peer reviewed medical journals.

She has won awards with the Ontario Society of Artists and is a two-time semi-finalist in the prestigious Art Renewal Centre competitions.

“I’ve also studied at the Academy of Realist Art in Toronto and for the last couple of years I’ve taken part in their workshops. That has also really helped me,” Visscher said.

The last day to vote in the #FacesofCanadianHealthcare Competition is May 17.

“I’m up against other artists from across Canada, from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. I’m really thankful for the support I’ve received,” Visscher said.

“Everyone engages with art differently either with colour or emotions. Art can help people engage in discussion or they can engage on their own, in their own way.”

For Visscher, art is her medicine.

“To have this creativity, this release, art can help you connect with yourself, slow down, and realize why you do the things you do.”

To vote, go here. 

For more information about Kari Visscher and her artwork, visit www.karivisscher.com.