Crafting representations of rare disease: collage as qualitative inquiry

Collage is a modality of expression which involves repurposing and juxtaposing fragments. Our aim was to explore both how and what collage, as an arts-based research method, might contribute to enlivening understandings of the experiences of families affected by rare conditions.

During 10 weeks of collaging workshops participants created artistic representations of their experiences. The methodology produced a convivial atmosphere where participants talked openly about everyday challenges.

The collages and conversations produced offer a means through which to consider the complex and multiple positions which families affected by rare disease interpolate. Particularly, the collages prompt cross-cutting thematic reflections on motherhood and care, the challenges of being heard, and balancing family life alongside medicalisation.

The opportunity to convey topics and feelings through a medium which was both tentatively open yet conceptually complex allowed the broaching of sensitive and elusive themes in a safe, expressive, and non-threatening manner.