Dissection via Paintbrush

An artist uses latex body paint to bring anatomical structures to life.

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DANNY QUIRK ARTWORK

Getting to know the complex anatomical structures that make up the human body can be both fascinating and frightening. The thought of examining cadavers at close range is enough to send some potential anatomists running. Even for the non-squeamish, few outside of the medical profession can access this all-important learning tool. So Massachusetts-based artist Danny Quirk devised a way to bring human anatomy to life—by painting the bodies of live models with intricate illustrations of their musculoskeletal structures and vasculature, among other things.

“We as humans are naturally curious, and it’s just a shame that something has to be labeled ‘gross’ or ‘bad’ or ‘scary’ that would deter so many people from indulging in something so awesome,” says Quirk. “My ultimate goal is to get ...

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