Understanding human longevity via photographic art at Xposure

The Associate Professor of Art at Zayed University in the UAE, whose work captures the visual aesthetics of transient environments and evokes deep reflections on human relationships with spaces—both physical and imagined—told his audience that he used “fake MRIs” to capture structure, organs muscles, blood vessels and soft tissues in the human body. The medical images presented inner body views which were created using speculative and expanded photography, in an attempt to understand human longevity and decay.

Papavasileiou gave a concise analysis of his latest creative series, the material and processes used and why the portfolio was important to him and us. The project was important for him on the personal front as he had lost his parents at a young age and he had memories of sickness in general and of playing with X-rays. The medical images were also inspired by the ultrasound images of his young children when they were in their mother’s womb.

The art professor stated that he had a strong photography background which helped him with camera manipulation and installation of images while Photoshop knowledge helped him with stacking, blending, brushing and motion blur filters. The body of work helped him visualise and understand concepts of the human body and its condition. “My reasons for creating the images were to understand medical imagery, to interpret what I was ignorant about and assess my technological authority and interpretational skills. Images are speculative and have the power to ignite human conversation,” he noted.

Through “Internal Landscapes”, Papavasileiou endeavoured to foster dialogue on how these visuals are produced and interpreted and their psychosomatic effects on individuals. The presentation helped a curious audience comprehend the omnipresence and necessity of these images in modern life as well as the complex relationship between photography, technology, and the human condition in a future shaped by advancements in medical visualisation.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), Xposure 2025 runs until February 26. To learn more about the global celebration platform for visual storytelling, visit https://xposure.net/.