The Via Cruxis Project

A sample of radiographic art

Texts and figures by Aníbal J. Morillo, MDRadiologist

© Aníbal J. Morillo. Modified with permission from : Universitas Médica 2000; 41(4): 207-209

As seen through radiologist’s eyes, we are all the same. We attenuate X-rays in a similar fashion, since we are composed of the same four basic densities; we all reflect sound –and radio-waves in the same way.

This vision, broad in appearance, can be very limited when we are toconfront our patients in a more global manner.

As it happens with other specialists, sometimes we as radiologists forgetthat we are examining persons, notisolated organs, viscera or limbs.

That is why it is possible for us torefer to our patients according to the“part” of them that has impressed us the most, be it from the clinical standpoint or from a diagnostic imaging perspective:

they cease to be named Peter, John, or Mary,

to be known as

the fatty liver, the melanoma, or thefracture.

Their names and titles can be as complex as those with lineage:

The Elder From Four-Hundred-Eight

and The Carcinoma T3B,

or even acquire mystic ormythological dimensions, such as

The Man of the Abscesses and

The Lady of the Fallen Foot.

As a homage to those anonymouspatients, I present here some of theirparts, artificially enhanced, to remindus that their beauty lies not only in their colourful vividness,

but in the fact that they are persons, that they have a name, uniquefeatures and real sufferings.

With a minimun effort, we can maketheir experience with us a little lessof a via crucis.

The via cruxis project

Manipulation, composition, and digital enhancement of plain X-Ray studies.

© Aníbal J. Morillo, MD.

Numero Uno

Offering

Face to Face

Hands

Aquatic Passion

Bone Beach

Pedestrian miracle over Red Sea

Me and my mirror

Bone Beach (nocturne)

The Via Cruxis Project (Detail)

Uno, dos y tres

Corona Iradiata

Bleeding Heart

I am your leg

Torso in Blue

Lavatorium

The via cruxis project

Addendum: I AM YOUR LEG (a brief account by Mario Bonilla*)

*anagrammatic pseudonym© Aníbal J. Morillo

-I am the source of life itself-, saidthe lower torso, scowling. -Withinmyself, illusions and hope are born. I do not need you.

The arms replied that without themno illusions could be carried along, the hands noted their role in caresses, the breasts remarked ontheir entertaining and nutritionalfunctions,

the liver talked about its control onhumor, the kidney spoke about itspurifying function, the heartmentioned its vital essence.

The nerves suggested temperance, the guts insinuated prudence, thepupil showed some light as it notedthat they were moving.

The cranium, with moderation, spoke for all, and interrogated thepedestal that carried them.

-And you? Who are you? Where are you taking me to?

-I am your leg. Every part of you isalso a part of me. You nurture me, you give me your humor and yourcaresses. You purify me, you giveme your warmth, you are my vital essence.

Without your voice, tedium invades me, without your weight, I lose myequilibrium and I stumble. On me you lie, on top of myself I carry you.

Where do you want to go?

The via cruxis project