Emily Clark
The 'Body Worlds' exhibits, which have been on display since 1995, are now the most widely viewed exhibition in the world. Anthropologist Jane Desmond has recently been tackling the question of why. Beyond mere toleration, the exhibit has accrued extraordinary amounts of enthusiasm alongside some controversies. How has this been accomplished? Why do people enjoy it so much? Desmond explains that the way the display is put together grounds the bodies in a context of legitimacy and science - in an effort to inspire wonder rather than discomfort in the visitor. They aren’t seen to be people at all. Because the process of ‘plastination’ removes all identifying features from the person (hair, skin, body fat), they are seen as specimens rather than individuals. No cause of death is ever discernible either. The background, walls covered in images of historical anatomy labs, quotes from philosophers and Renaissance prints, soothes the viewer by saying that to learn from the dead is an honorable and acceptable practice. Plaques thank the people who donated their bodies and ensure that they were given voluntarily. The exhibit was clearly composed in a way that would minimize visitors’ unease, and it has apparently been a truly effective method.
Reference: "Anthropologist: 'Body Worlds' visitors confront bodies but not death." Science Daily. Web. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110207103613.htm. Feb 7 2011.
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