Work of pathologist-artist is on display

The fascinating work of a leading physician-artist is being featured in a summer exhibition at the Park Avenue and Krembs galleries at UHS Binghamton General Hospital. "Abstract Art in Pathology" showcases examples of the work of Jagmohan Sidhu, MD, medical director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UHS, from July 10 to Aug. 18.

This anthology finds inspiration from presentations during weekly cancer conferences at UHS. To Dr. Sidhu, patterns of tissue under the microscope are akin to paintings on a canvas. His 57-year-long love of drawing and painting has primed his visual cortex to be exceptional at pattern recognition in anatomic pathology. This pattern recognition helps him make quick and accurate diagnoses and also makes him see abstract things in the pathology slides.

The art show is about some of the abstract objects he has seen in the pathology slides under the microscope. The meticulous process of preparing pathology slides produces evidence of disease and definitive diagnoses. Vivid colors emerge from various stains. Varied structural as well as abstract shapes and forms appear. While purely the work of nature through cellular evolution or transformation, one cannot ignore these unique artistic renderings. In checking out these curated images, each will show a simple interpretation of the pathology finding.

As an interactive art exhibit, this collection aims not only to entertain, but also educate and deepen the viewing public’s understanding and appreciation of the science that brought about the images. While enjoining the viewing public’s input in this novel approach for creative expression, the artist strongly believes that integrating art and science into visually appealing images of daily life will stimulate interest in medical science. Highlighting the work of Dr. Sidhu, the distinct opportunity to exhibit these images in a public forum allows the doctor to share an intersection of art and pathology.

The art galleries are inside UHS Binghamton General, and admission for viewing is free.