Exhibition of photographs entitled "Lymph and I - What is hidden under my skin?" was inaugurated on Wednesday, March 10 at the University Gallery "Vasko Lipovac". The exhibition presents photographs of eight brave women connected by their daily struggle with lymphedema, by Robert Pleško.
The exhibition was organized by the University of Split Health Studies’ Department of Physiotherapy, the Croatian Society for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and the Association of Women undergoing treatment and cancer survivors "Caspera".
Ana Poljičanin Ph.D., a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation at KBC Split and assistant professor at the Department of Physiotherapy SOZS, initiated the exhibition and pointed out that it is the result of many years working with people suffering from lymphedema.
- Two years ago, we decided to take a different approach treating lymphedema and got educated in cooperation with Dr. Ručigaj from Ljubljana. Practicing, I noticed that there are many unknowns concerning this topic, so with this exhibition we wanted to make the general public, also patients themselves, more aware of this problem that can be solved if diagnosed and treated on time. I want to emphasize that we are also cooperating with colleagues in London, who help us immensely not only with advice, but also with donations in equipment, as well as with colleagues in Berlin - said doctor Poljičak.
University of Split Rector prof. Dragan Ljutić Ph.D. expressed his satisfaction with the exhibition.
- We have before us works of art, encouraging and teaching us to think and empathize. Author of the photographs, Robert Pleško, made an exhibition displaying beautiful faces, smiles signifying life, spirituality and making us think. That is art. Behind these beautiful photographs are lives. In today's circumstances, affected by the pandemic, we understand the meaning of this art’s message: coexistence, togetherness and goodness - said Rector Ljutić.
Prof. Stipan Janković Ph.D., head of SOZS, pointed out that this is a special honor for the University Department of Health Studies and that this event actually marks the period of celebrating SOZS’ Day.
-Final celebration is expected on May 12, when, in addition to SOZS’ 10th anniversary, the plan is to hold student graduation ceremony, as well as launch a monograph, seven other books and study materials for new subjects. We will award prizes, plaques and recognitions to deserving individuals in university and public life, as well as to collaborating institutions. I can say that these will be the first two institutions most responsible for developing health care in Split, KBC and the School of Medicine in Split. Sports and humanitarian activities will follow. This exhibition is the best introduction to the celebration, because it is a promotion of this very profession. Exactly how interesting this profession is best displayed by the fact that the Department of Physiotherapy is the fifth most desired by high school graduates in Croatia - concluded Stipan Janković.
Prof. Tonko Vlak Ph.D., Head of the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine at the School of Medicine, thanked the organizer and invited everyone to enjoy the presented works. He said that patients with lymphedema became models, offering on this occasion another, more beautiful side of everyday life, bursting with optimism, dignity and beauty.
Robert Pleško, author of the photographs, pointed out that the initiative to organize this exhibition came from Assist. Prof. Poljičanin a year and a half ago, and its realization went flawlessly thanks to the models’ cooperation.
The exhibition will remain opened until March 23.