The artwork titled “Open Heart Bypass,” created by Wolfgang Tillmans in 2015, belongs to the genre of photography. Tillmans’ work often encompasses a diverse range of subjects, and in this particular piece, he captures a powerful and intricate scene related to medical science.
In the artwork, an array of medical equipment is displayed in a close-up view. The most prominent elements are the interconnected tubes and devices, which are integral components used during an open heart surgical procedure. Red, white, and black tubes prominently snake through the scene, conveying the complexity and precision of modern medical technology. The background is filled with blurred and varied medical paraphernalia, emphasizing the bustling and high-stakes environment of an operating room. The entire composition, despite its clinical subject matter, has a vivid dynamism and almost chaotic aesthetic that draws viewers’ attention to the life-saving intricacies and the fascinating details of medical practices.