Curating and Project Direction

Convalescence traces the experiences of five Philadelphians navigating the U.S. healthcare system. Conceived in collaboration with a group of Thinking Partners working across art and medicine, Convalescence furthers Pepón Osorio’s practice creating large-scale works of art addressing critical social issues in dialogue with the individuals and communities most affected by them. Drawing on relationships with medical practitioners as well as groups typically underserved by the healthcare system, Osorio’s installation exposes norms that disempower individuals’ inherent capacity for healing and explores alternative modes for community-based care.

Convalescence is presented by Thomas Jefferson University at its health sciences campus in Center City Philadelphia. The project extends Jefferson's ongoing medical humanities program, which engages students in the arts and humanities in parallel with their health professions education.

Learn more at convalescencetju.org.