Primum non Nocere

Emma Barnard's work expands on the air of mystery surrounding the surgeon’s practice. What goes on in the operating theatre is usually unknown to the patient, who must have trust in the theatrical performance, the surgeon's medical act. These images investigate the surgeon and patient dynamic and theories of “projection” (the unconscious transfer of one's desires or emotions to another person) e.g. the patient viewing the surgeon as a miracle worker. But what cost does this pressure place on the surgeon who is already working in an underfunded healthcare system? 

Primum Non Nocere* is a Latin phrase derived from the first precepts of bioethics and is taught as the fundamental principle in medical schools throughout the world. 

This work is for sale - enquiries welcome.