On Wednesday October 29th, the Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values, in collaboration with the Glynn Family Honors Program, hosted a lecture by Rosemarie Garland Thomson. A leading bioethicist, author, humanities scholar, and thought leader in disability justice and culture, Garland Thomson is at Notre Dame this semester as the Glynn Family Distinguished Scholar in Residence.
In her lecture, Garland Thomson emphasized that disability is part of the human condition and present in every life and family, and thus a theme in all art and culture. “The lived experiences of disability give people and communities opportunities for expression, creativity, resourcefulness, relationships, and flourishing,” she said. Among the notable works she discussed were “The Adoration of the Christ Child” (1515), which includes a possible representation of a young man with Downs Syndrome, and a self-portrait by Matthias Buchinger (1674-1740), a German artist, magician, and calligrapher who was born without hands and feet.
Caroline Fleming, a senior Accounting major, described the lecture as “an incredible experience” that introduced her to the pervasiveness of disability in literature, art, dance, and design. “The images Rosemarie [Garland Thomson] shared in her presentation were unlike any piece of art I have ever seen,” Fleming said. Graduate student Mary Grace Walsh especially appreciated the opportunity to connect with other faculty and students interested in disability studies. "It was so hopeful to see so many people gathered," she said. “Rosemarie’s visit was an opportunity for so many of us to come together and learn both from her and each other.”