Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DEAS (Dermography. Ethics and Aesthetics of Skin Writing)
Période du rapport: 2022-08-01 au 2024-07-31
DEAS (Dermography: Ethics and Aesthetics of Skin Writing) examines the cultural, ethical, and biological significance of human skin to deepen our understanding of how skin functions as both a biological organ and a cultural canvas. While human skin has traditionally been studied in medical and empirical contexts, DEAS broadens this perspective by exploring the complex connections between medicine, anthropology, biology, psychology, culture, and cultural practices such as reading and writing (literature) and art. The project is socially relevant because it highlights how skin imaginaries and perceptions go far beyond a conceptual description and also affect mental and emotional well-being. In an era of rapid technological advancement, DEAS encourages a re-evaluation of skin by highlighting the cultural and ethical complexities of skin. The project offers new perspectives that can contribute to advances in both dermatology and the emerging field of narrative medicine, where both accurate scientific language and understanding of the patient's lived experience are key. The overarching goals of DEAS include raising awareness of the multifaceted nature of skin through the interdisciplinary research platform “Dermacriticism”. This platform will serve as a foundation for future collaborations and disseminate knowledge on skin-related issues. Another major goal of the project was to explore the relationship between skin and writing, examining how literary texts shape and are shaped by conceptualizations of skin. Through conferences, publications, and public outreach, DEAS fostered a rich dialogue between the sciences and the humanities. In addition, the project developed a new taxonomy for the aesthetic and ethical analysis of skin. DEAS also engaged directly with the scientific community, working with leading dermatologists to address terminological challenges and contribute to the field of skin studies. The project’s findings underscore the importance of understanding the cultural, historical, and literary dimensions of skin in shaping human identity and experience and offer new insights that enrich both academic discourse and medical practice.
DEAS has reached several important milestones and made significant contributions to basic terminology, cultural history, and literary research in the field of skin studies. A major achievement has been the establishment of the research platform “Dermacriticism”, an interdisciplinary hub that fosters collaboration in skin studies and encourages public engagement. Other milestones include the development of a taxonomy of skin terms, progress towards a narrative language for dermatology, and new insights into contemporary literary and other artistic representations of skin. This includes advancing our understanding of how historical and contemporary representations of skin influence social and scientific discourses. By bridging the gap between the humanities and medical sciences, the project laid the groundwork for future collaborations that will continue to explore the role of skin in literature, philosophy, and dermatology. In addition, the research contributed to ongoing efforts to develop a narrative language in dermatology. This framework promises to improve the descriptive tools used in medical practice. Although this aspect of the project is still in progress, it has opened up new directions for interdisciplinary exploration. In addition, the multiple literary and artistic histories of skin that DEAS explores continue to provide important insights into the interrelated narratives of European medical history, philosophy, literature, and art – then and now. Overall, the DEAS project has made a significant contribution in promoting an interdisciplinary approach to skin that combines literature, philosophy, and dermatology. The results have been disseminated through academic publications, conferences, and public engagement, with potential long-term impact on both cultural studies and clinical practice.
DEAS has made a significant contribution to the interdisciplinary dialog between literature and the arts, medicine, and skin studies. By exploring the cultural and ethical dimensions of skin through literary and cultural analysis, the project has advanced our understanding of how skin functions as a vital and complex interface between individual identity and broader social narratives. This work is particularly relevant in today’s context, where discussions of identity, representation, and the human body are increasingly prominent. DEAS has established collaborations with scholars across disciplines to refine language and frameworks that capture the complexity of skin as a physical and cultural artifact. Integrating insights from literary and cultural studies has the potential to foster innovative approaches to understanding human experience and social dynamics. This research also contributes to the growing field of narrative medicine, which posits that engagement with literature and art enhances our interpretive capacities and deepens our understanding of the human condition. It offers a counterbalance to the increasing reliance on data-driven methods and highlights the importance of humanistic perspectives in medical and scientific discussions. Looking ahead, the project's findings will inform future research initiatives and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration between the humanities and medical sciences. DEAS aims to disseminate these findings widely, engaging with both academic and public audiences to highlight the relevance of dermacriticism in contemporary discourse. The potential impact of this project extends beyond academia. By bridging gaps between disciplines and addressing pressing societal issues, the project’s work has implications for education, public health communication, and cultural policy.