How have visual cultures shaped our understanding of health, identity, and justice across time? From the woodcuts of 17th-century broadsheets to the fast-paced, algorithm-driven world of TikTok, the public sphere of health information has always been deeply intertwined with media, politics, and power. This lecture series, led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Monika Pietrzak-Franger, invites you to explore the ever-evolving relationship between health, visual representation, and societal inequities.

Join us as we explore the ways medical concepts like health, disease, illness, and healing have been made visible through a variety of media. With a particular focus on sexual health, we’ll examine how discourses around the body, gender, ethnicity, class, and age have informed—and been shaped by—visual and medical practices. How have organizations, corporations, and institutions used these representations to promote their ideologies? And what role do identity, inequality, and ethics play in the media we consume?

Featuring guest speakers, this series offers a fresh, interdisciplinary perspective. Drawing inspiration from Medical and Health Humanities, we move beyond traditional narratives to explore a rich array of media, including art, film, advertising, and digital platforms. Together, we’ll uncover the historical roots of contemporary health narratives and critically analyze their impact on justice and equity.

This series is designed to engage both experts and curious minds alike. Whether you’re a scholar in cultural studies, a healthcare professional, or simply someone fascinated by the power of images, (Sexual) Health: Media, Inequalities, and Justice promises to challenge your assumptions and spark meaningful conversations.

Details:

• Dates: mondays, 16:15 – 18:15
• Location: Hörsaal 1 at the Neues Institutsgebäude, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Wien

Let’s rethink health, media, and justice together. We look forward to seeing you there!