Aguilera-Hellweg, Max: The Sacred Heart: An Atlas of the Body Seen Through Invasive Surgery

Bulfinch Press

1997

First Edition

A liver transplant. The removal of a brain tumor. A mastectomy. A cesarean birth. These are just a few of the fifty surgical procedures Max Aguilera-Hellweg documents in what American Photo calls a "new, singular vision of the medical art".Using a 4-by-5 camera and special lighting effects, Aguilera-Hellweg brings to life the surgeon's skill -- and captures the shocking reality of what our bodies look like under the knife. These taboo-shattering images are disturbing, intriguing, oddly beautiful, and definitely not for the faint of heart. With extended notes detailing each surgical procedure and an essay that describes Aguilera-Hellweg's operating room experiences, The Sacred Heart is a groundbreaking exploration of a heretofore secret world -- and the most fascinating photography book of the year