Exploring the relationship between geriatric patients and their carers through portraiture: giving, receiving, observing & witnessing care (GROWing Care)

The process of creating a portrait relies on a series of intimate interactions. Portraits, even those that depict a single individual, are a visual testament to a relationship. Portrait sitters are required to engage with artists in the creation of their personal visual narrative. As viewers of a portrait, we are invited to actively participate in other’s stories, to observe, to question, even stare. This process is integral to the portraits evolving meaning. Giving, receiving, observing & witnessing care (GROWing Care), the case study presented in this manuscript, draws on these multiple exchanges to explore the experience of dementia and portraiture among older adults and their partners in care as they work with artist/researcher Mark Gilbert, and geriatrician, Kenneth Rockwood