Needlework: Some Histories of Sewing the Body

The New York Academy of Medicine Library presents:

Needlework: Some Histories of Sewing the Body
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
6:00PM-7:30PM
The New York Academy of Medicine
1216 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street
New York, NY 10029

Following the “threads” of suturing, we are led through diverse realms: the history of surgery; the language of sewing; plant and animal fiber production; medical archeology; amputation techniques; women’s medicine; stitching instruction and the making of samplers; gendered roles in medicine; research ethics; and so much more. Kriota Willberg shares her experiences and discoveries as the Academy Library’s Artist in Residence exploring the history of stitches and ligatures-surgical techniques that also bear relevance to art and craftsmanship.

Kriota Willberg

About the Instructor:

Through graphic narratives, teaching, and needlework, Academy Library artist-in-residence Kriota Willberg explores the intersection between body sciences and creative practice. Her comics are seen on online sites such as Intima, Broken Pencil, 4 PANEL, and in the anthologies Sub Cultures, Awesome ‘Possum, and the upcoming Graphic Canon. Willberg transposes medical imagery of herself and friends into needlework as a form of portraiture. She teaches anatomy for artists at a variety of institutions including the New York Academy of Medicine Library, the Center for Cartoon Studies, and the Society of Illustrators. You can see more of her work here.

Emily Miranker, MA
Events & Projects Manager
Library and Center for the History of Medicine and Public Health
212.822.7301
The New York Academy of Medicine
1216 Fifth Avenue | New York, NY 10029