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Real human bodies. Von Hagens has invented a chemical process that effectively transforms the tissues and organs of cadavers into a lifelike, pliable plastic, which he then painstakingly dissects and places on display. His works are not pallid husks laid out on slabs. They are fleshy pink, peeled, pulled apart, and displayed in dynamic, even outrageous poses. A figure labeled Muscle Man stands upright, flayed bare and proudly dangling his full cloak of skin from one hand.

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This article fascinated me. On one hand, I was a bit squicked that these were actual humans and not artificial. When I first opened the magazine and saw the pictures, that's what I assumed. On the other hand, I couldn't take my eyes away.

If the exhibit ever comes near, I might have to go, although I think I would feel like I was disrespecting the dead. All the cadavers used were freely donated before the person died, though, so I guess they don't mind.
 

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Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
 

 

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Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
 
Here you go celia.
 

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Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
 
ick
 

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Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :
 
I can't find the link now, but I read about this a month or so ago. And, the thing is, the article I read at the time stated there have been issues over the "voluntariness" of the cadaver donations. It appears that at least a couple in his possession were of executed prisoners from China. He claims he has culled his collection of any of questionable origin.

I think there might also have been a question about whether or not the deceased or their families thought they might have been making the donation of the body for research or medical training purposes, rather than entertainment, (or art, if your prefer).
 

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Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
 
Back in the 80s when they were first developing this technique (and performing it on fruit primarily, if I recall), I really wanted to have this done to my body after I died. Anymore I don't really care at all about what happens to my body once I'm finished with it, but this would be pretty cool.
 

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Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
 
I believe von Hagens claimed it was for teaching purposes as in teaching the layperson. It might be a morbid fascination that would get me there, but I do think it would be educational.

On thing I found interesting was that the bodies are referred to as cadavers and not corpses. All information about the donators is kept anonymous, so they can do this. Otherwise, the exhibit would be considered a traveling cemetary and be illegal.

Noemon, do you think you get to pick what position your put in if donate?
 

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Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
 
Ah, reminds me of the cadavers in our college anatomy lab. The smell of formaldehyde. It was always right before lunch, so I was always really hungry. Looked like chicken....
 

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Posted by lcarus (Member # 4395) on :
 
porteiro_head: what?

[ March 01, 2004, 03:41 PM: Message edited by: lcarus ]
 

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Posted by Godric (Member # 4587) on :
 
I have no idea what this thread is really about, but I liked the movie...


 

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Posted by Book (Member # 5500) on :
 
I remember reading some TIME piece about an art exhibit which consisted of stolen corpses set in glass.
 

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Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
 
Maybe so zgator. What position would you pick? I can guess mack's.
 

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