Exhibition | Panel | Music Recital
About the Event
Few creative intersections are more fertile than that between the medical profession and the arts. We invite you to explore this old, powerful, and multi-layered connection through an evening of compelling conversations, inspiring performances, and visual displays that celebrate the shared roots of empathy, precision, and imagination in both healing and creation. Featuring prominent voices from both the medical and artistic worlds, this event examines the interplay between art and medicine and the various motivations, expressions, and achievements that define this fruitful relationship. Join us for an evening that brings to life the creative pathways at the intersection of arts and medicine, forging new connections and inspiring innovative approaches to healing and care.
The event is presented as part of A(I) Brighter Tomorrow: Cancer and Beyond, a Romanian-American collaborative effort between Natalia Marin, The Fine Art Program and Collection at Montefiore Einstein, and a network of passionate individuals dedicated to driving positive change in cancer care and research. More than an exhibition, A(I) Brighter Tomorrow: Cancer and Beyond is an initiative that supports cancer patients, caregivers, and doctors in better understanding the multifaceted nature of cancer. The program fosters collaboration between artists and scientists, encouraging the creation of works that capture the nuances of the medical journey.
PROGRAM
Group Exhibition
Artists: Federico Muelas Romero, Anna & Jordan Rathkopf, Anna Dumitriu & Alex May, Dr. Sabina Sucuri & Vladimir Gheorghiu
January 24 – February 7, 2025
Open: Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Brâncuși Gallery
Panel Discussion: "The Physician Treats, But Art Heals"
Featuring: Dr. Adrian Sângeorzan (physician & writer), Natalia Marin (curator), Federico Muelas Romero (artist), Jordan Rathkopf (artist), Angelica Olstad (musician)
Introductory Remarks: Dr. Theo Trandafirescu, Vice President of the Association of Romanian Doctors in New York
Musical Recital: "Strings of Healing" featuring Angelica Olstad
The extensive exhibition A(I) Brighter Tomorrow: Cancer and Beyond is on view at:
The Gallery of ARTFul Medicine | Montefiore Medical Center | The Hutchinson Metro Center, 1250 Waters Pl, Tower One Lobby, Bronx, NY 10461
January 24 – April 18, 2025
Open: Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Meet the Artists
Federico Muelas Romero is a media artist, cancer survivor, and author of “T(H)UMOR: Dear Cancer Diary.” He earned a master's degree in computer arts from the School of Visual Arts in NYC, where he has taught for 17 years. His award-winning work has been exhibited globally, and he has received a prestigious grant from the New York Foundation for the Arts. His work has been featured in Leonardo Magazine (MIT), "Artists Working at the Frontiers of Science and Technology" (Thames and Hudson), and "Art in the Digital Age" (Thames and Hudson). Diagnosed with pleomorphic bone sarcoma in 2020, Federico underwent extensive treatment and was declared cancer-free by the end of the year. His experience with bone cancer significantly influences his project's concept.
Anna and Jordan Rathkopf, an award-winning multicultural photography and video duo, are known for their focus on themes such as empathy, health, community, and identity. Their lenses often focus on the world of health, capturing the perspectives of both the diagnosed and caregivers, inspired by their own lived experiences. Their mission is to ignite real connections, inviting viewers to delve into universal themes portrayed with deep intimacy and unwavering authenticity. The Rathkopfs are recipients of the International Photographic Council at the United Nations 2024 Photographic Achievement Award.
Anna Dumitriu is an internationally acclaimed British artist and pioneer in BioArt, known for exploring the intersections of infectious diseases, synthetic biology, and robotics through innovative works in sculpture and digital media. Her art has been exhibited at prestigious venues like the Nobel Prize Museum and Ars Electronica, and she holds key residencies at the University of Oxford and the UK Health Security Agency. Dumitriu’s work challenges viewers to rethink the complex relationships between science, technology, and society.
Alex May is a renowned British contemporary artist whose work investigates how technology shapes human experiences of time, memory, and culture. Utilizing media like virtual reality, robotics, and algorithmic photography, May’s art has been featured at global institutions such as Ars Electronica and the Eden Project. He is also a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire, where he continues to push the boundaries of digital art and interactive technology.
Dr. Sabina Sucuri & Vladimir Gheorghiu
Dr. Sabina Sucuri is a committed Radiation Oncologist in training, with a focus on gynecologic oncology. Her professional interests include the integration of artificial intelligence to optimize treatment planning, delivery, and radiotherapy outcomes. Beyond her clinical endeavors, Dr. Șucuri is deeply engaged in research initiatives centered on precision cancer prevention, advanced screening programs, and individualized treatment protocols.
Vladimir Gheorghiu combines technical expertise and operational excellence with a passion for the arts. A talented photographer and vocalist, he oversees the development of digital platforms and the seamless execution and documentation of projects, ensuring that each aligns with the initiative's mission.
Meet the Curators
Natalia Marin, independent art curator and medical student based in Bucharest, Romania, leads the initiative in collaboration with The Fine Art Program and Collection at Montefiore Einstein. Her work focuses on the intersection of art and medicine, collaborating with artists, doctors, researchers, and academics worldwide. She is the founder of a network for art and medicine and a system for collaborative research and has curated several exhibitions that fuse art and science, bridging the gap between these fields. Her aim is to advance science education and improve the quality of life for both patients and healthcare providers by using art as a powerful tool for connection, communication, and collaboration.
Jodi Moise, Director of The Fine Art Program and Collection at Montefiore Einstein, has been a prominent figure in the art world for the past twenty-five years, serving as a public art curator and corporate art director. With expertise in integrating art into healthcare environments, she has developed and built art collections for major medical centers, including Mount Sinai Medical Center and NYU Langone Medical Center. She is responsible for the development of comprehensive, high-quality visual arts programs in medical settings.
Meet the Musician
Angelica Olstad is a New York based classically trained pianist who creates unique, music-driven experiences. Described by The Wire as “openly appreciative of the constituents of a tradition while at the same time calling fundamental assumptions into question,” Angelica uses classically sourced music and experimental storytelling techniques as a conduit to explore racial identity. Her goal is to invite audiences to reflect on intercultural belonging and the timelessness of the human experience through past and future disciplines. Her musical style is minimalist in nature and often includes unconventional mediums including field recordings, video art, analog synths, and soundscapes. Angelica’s work as a community leader has greatly influenced her work as an artist. As the founder of Pop Up Yoga NYC she has produced events in venues ranging from juvenile detention centers to major music festivals. Angelica’s events have been featured in publications such as Timeout NY, Yoga Journal, Buzzfeed, and Well + Good. She has also produced events for some of the world’s largest companies such as Meta, Amazon Studios, and Samsung. Her experience as a cultural producer allows her to bring a high level of detail and cultural perspective to her work as an artist. With this unique set of skills, Angelica is creating dynamic music experiences that challenge what classical music can look like by building inclusive communities and in-real-life experiences. She has performed at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Melbourne Recital Center, Krannert Concert Hall, Elastic Festival, La Mama Theatre, and Alvin Ailey Dance Center. She is a 2024 NYSCA grant recipient.
