Last summer I had followed The TELUS Health Brain Project. The campaign had brain sculptures displayed in public spaces and galleries that were eventually auctioned off and helped raise over $1.3 million for ongoing research, care, and education at Baycrest – a world-renowned brain health and science institute.
I have taken the descriptions from the Telus website.
WINDOWS - Cairn Cunnane
This is a polished, shining armature-like form of round stainless tubing connecting randomly placed, coloured glass openings. Four quadrants divided by horizontal planes with connecting verticals create the spaces for the connections of these windows and doors. One can see the external form while simultaneously seeing what is internal. The brain is stunningly beautiful – a mystery of connections, and a connection to mysteries.
Change is Beautiful - Kanika Gupta
Change is Beautiful is a visual rendering of the artist’s actual brain. The illustrations subtly etched on their respective lobes represent what was lost and what was gained as a result of her brain injury. Change is something to be embraced rather than feared. The brain is constantly forming new connections and neural pathways, creating a myriad of new possibilities. Even in the face of unexpected changes, the brain is resilient, always shining bright. This sculpture shows the story of transformation, imperfection and the beauty inherent in change.
Free Thinker - Sophie DeFrancesca
The much studied, yet little understood human brain is the most complex system known to us. Composed of more than a billion neurons making countless connections, one cannot underestimate our unlimited human potential. The butterfly goes through countless changes to become the free and beautiful creature it is. Symbolic of renewal, expansion and growth, the swirling butterflies in Free Thinker remind us to forgo limiting thoughts, to transcend our challenges, to reach for our highest potential.
Some Roads We Pave May Crack…Nick Sweetman
Our brains immediately begin constructing a map of reality that defines our thinking, with each new experience layered on top of our growing mass of memories. Our understanding grows like a city, spreading outward, becoming more dense and complex. Buildings may be updated or replaced, but once the roads are laid, altering the map in a major way gets increasingly difficult.
Soft Brain - Mary Dyja
Yarn and crochet technique is used to create a free-hand pattern inspired by the beauty and fragility of human brain.
Meet MIMI - Deborah Jolly
Meet MIMI…
She is a fascinating universe of uninterrupted connections; a hypnotic riot of truths, lies, memories and love, travelling amidst 86b neurons. She shelters all she deems important, and much she does not. She is complex, yet abstract. She is wildly intuitive. She is a consummate planner. She bows with empathy to all she meets. She loves. She struggles. She learns. She reflects. She expresses. Until she doesn’t. Meet Mimi. Mimi is YOU.
Genius Tomorrow - Tanya Besedina
Artist Tanya Besedina dedicates her project to a loved one who was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum disorder, as well as many, many others who are suffering from the same problem.
The wonderful person who is being honoured has the most unique view of the world and keeps surprising those around her every day with her unexpected talents.
Renaissance Brain - Samantha Sandbrook
Among the most important periods of innovation and discovery in the history of humanity, the Renaissance was a return to classical ideals and also the formation of new ones. Science, astrology, geography, architecture, art, math, religion and our sense of the role of humans in the universe were irreversibly changed.
It was truly a groundbreaking time suggesting the remarkable capabilities and the potential of the human brain.
Jogging Memories - Union Station Total 9
Cognectica - Charmaine Lurch
This sculpture, Cognectica, addresses pathways and connectivity – how we build and expand our brains through our encounters with each other. These connections – both physical and emotional – create a topography that maps our way of being in the world.
WINDOWS - Cairn Cunnane
This is a polished, shining armature-like form of round stainless tubing connecting randomly placed, coloured glass openings. Four quadrants divided by horizontal planes with connecting verticals create the spaces for the connections of these windows and doors. One can see the external form while simultaneously seeing what is internal. The brain is stunningly beautiful – a mystery of connections, and a connection to mysteries.
Sorry about my finger!
Change is Beautiful - Kanika Gupta
Change is Beautiful is a visual rendering of the artist’s actual brain. The illustrations subtly etched on their respective lobes represent what was lost and what was gained as a result of her brain injury. Change is something to be embraced rather than feared. The brain is constantly forming new connections and neural pathways, creating a myriad of new possibilities. Even in the face of unexpected changes, the brain is resilient, always shining bright. This sculpture shows the story of transformation, imperfection and the beauty inherent in change.
Free Thinker - Sophie DeFrancesca
The much studied, yet little understood human brain is the most complex system known to us. Composed of more than a billion neurons making countless connections, one cannot underestimate our unlimited human potential. The butterfly goes through countless changes to become the free and beautiful creature it is. Symbolic of renewal, expansion and growth, the swirling butterflies in Free Thinker remind us to forgo limiting thoughts, to transcend our challenges, to reach for our highest potential.
Some Roads We Pave May Crack…Nick Sweetman
Our brains immediately begin constructing a map of reality that defines our thinking, with each new experience layered on top of our growing mass of memories. Our understanding grows like a city, spreading outward, becoming more dense and complex. Buildings may be updated or replaced, but once the roads are laid, altering the map in a major way gets increasingly difficult.
Yarn and crochet technique is used to create a free-hand pattern inspired by the beauty and fragility of human brain.
Meet MIMI - Deborah Jolly
Meet MIMI…
She is a fascinating universe of uninterrupted connections; a hypnotic riot of truths, lies, memories and love, travelling amidst 86b neurons. She shelters all she deems important, and much she does not. She is complex, yet abstract. She is wildly intuitive. She is a consummate planner. She bows with empathy to all she meets. She loves. She struggles. She learns. She reflects. She expresses. Until she doesn’t. Meet Mimi. Mimi is YOU.
Genius Tomorrow - Tanya Besedina
Artist Tanya Besedina dedicates her project to a loved one who was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum disorder, as well as many, many others who are suffering from the same problem.
The wonderful person who is being honoured has the most unique view of the world and keeps surprising those around her every day with her unexpected talents.
Renaissance Brain - Samantha Sandbrook
Among the most important periods of innovation and discovery in the history of humanity, the Renaissance was a return to classical ideals and also the formation of new ones. Science, astrology, geography, architecture, art, math, religion and our sense of the role of humans in the universe were irreversibly changed.
It was truly a groundbreaking time suggesting the remarkable capabilities and the potential of the human brain.
...brainy art.
ReplyDeleteGenius Tomorrow is my favourite of these.
ReplyDeleteMine, too, William.
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