Sudden Cardiac Art Exhibition
Last weekend, we had the privilege of attending the launch of the Sudden Cardiac Art exhibition, which runs from September 2 to 30 at Kingshill House in Dursley, England.
This exhibition, conceived and organized by Heart Charged and artist Charlie Kirkham, highlights the survival inequalities between men and women following a cardiac arrest.
Heart Charged is a nonprofit founded by Hannah and Bethany, two American sisters living in Miami, both diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a potentially fatal heart condition. They both have implanted AEDs, and Hannah, who has survived a cardiac arrest thanks to her defibrillator, is a prime example. Together, they provide training in life-saving techniques and volunteer to install AEDs. Their mission is twofold: to promote cardiac disease screening and to raise public awareness about resuscitation techniques. Their approach, both unpretentious and creative, clearly sets them apart.
When they discovered that women are less likely to receive resuscitation than men after a cardiac arrest due to their chest, they were deeply outraged.
This realization prompted them to launch a bold campaign titled Flash the Boobs to raise awareness about this issue.
Charlie Kirkham, an English artist, was moved by this initiative. As an artist, she observed that female breasts are frequently depicted in art, whether in paintings or sculptures. She questioned, “Why should we hide them when it comes to a matter of life or death?” Through her art, she sought to demonstrate that there is beauty in the act of saving a life.
This project, which started modestly with just two artists, has evolved into an exhibition featuring 37 artists and over 80 art pieces.
An event full of emotions
The launch of the Sudden Cardiac Art exhibition brought together not only artists but also specialists, cardiac arrest survivors, and individuals with pacemakers or defibrillators, affectionately known as the Bionic Babes. It was a particularly moving moment, marked by the poignant testimonies of many people.
The exhibition itself showcased an incredible artistic diversity: photographs, montages, collages, paintings, tufting, and even beaded bras. After exploring the artworks, we attended a presentation by Heart Charged, followed by a demonstration of how to use a defibrillator and a hands-on session on life-saving techniques such as CPR and defibrillation. It was also the perfect opportunity to introduce and allow attendees to try the Cardio First Angel, our device designed to assist with chest compressions.
Next, Ilúa Hauck da Silva, one of the exhibiting artists, captivated the audience with a fascinating presentation titled “The Secularization of Breasts in the Western World.” As part of her doctoral research, she explores why breasts remain such a taboo subject in our modern societies.
The event concluded with a roundtable discussion featuring nine speakers from the sudden cardiac arrest awareness movement. Among them were survivors, bereaved family members, advocates, healthcare professionals, and artists. Finally, Heart Charged generously donated a defibrillator to the community of Dursley.
After this emotionally charged inauguration, we wrapped up the day on a friendly note, enjoying a pint at a local pub—an essential part of the English experience! We also savored some classic fish and chips. It was a great chance to connect with other participants from Italy, England, the United States, and beyond, discussing various cultural approaches to first aid. Additionally, we gained a deeper insight into the daily lives of the Bionic Babes.
Thank you to Heart Charged and Charlie Kirkham for the invitation and for organizing this inspiring event. It was a pleasure to participate and to meet such passionate and dedicated individuals!
Follow their adventures on Instagram: @HeartCharged—it’s definitely worth it! To explore the artworks from the exhibition, visit @suddencardiacart or check out www.suddencardiacart.com.
