Leblanc, Dr. Jean ReneEiserman, Dr. JenniferThomas, Rachel Miranda2016-09-262016-09-2620162016Thomas, R. M. (2016). Pure Immanence (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/27484http://hdl.handle.net/11023/3330This support paper will explore the medical, societal and personal implications derived from the compulsion of self-mutilation. It is studied through research creation in the form of sculpture, photographs, videos and bio-art. Three bodies of work will be discussed, beginning with a critique of medical objectification and concluding on the subjective experience of psychic and physical pain. Experiencing bodies on display, however metaphorical, has the power to elicit emotional responses from a viewer. By interacting with the aforementioned three bodies of work in their various settings, social constructions are questioned and given context, taboo subjects are dissected and most importantly works may elicit an emotional response in the form of empathy in the viewer. Keywords: Research creation, pure immanence, self-mutilation, mental illness, stigma, medicalization, public sphere, private sphere, pain theory.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Fine ArtsEducation--ArtEducation--Philosophy ofPhilosophyAnthropology--CulturalEconomics--TheoryHistory--CanadianMental HealthChemistry--OrganicArtMental IllnessBio-artBio-technologyTheorymaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/27484