It weighs 1.5kg, contains billions of human cells and has a mind-boggling 100 trillion connections amongst them. Each of us has one and each is unique. This extraordinary organ governs the totality of our experiences, feelings, and understandings.
The human brain, the most complex entity in the known universe, has long been a source of fascination and mystery. For years, it was unmapped territory but scientific breakthroughs are exposing new and exciting dimensions and greater understanding is emerging around the science of the brain, the arts and creativity.
How does the brain inspire and allow us to create art? Explore this question at an interactive and multi disciplinary exhibition entitled Synaptic Connections: Art and the Brain at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, opening on Friday, September 23rd. Observe art and neuroscience meld in an exhibition featuring painting, photography, drawing, mixed media, textile, installation, sculpture and video.
Among the artists contributing are Alan Syliboy, Colleen Wolstenholme, Gary Hill, Sarah Maloney, Mitchell Wiebe, Stella Ducklow, Rose Adams and others. Artistic interpretations range from imaginative topographies of the brain and creative replicas of neuroanatomy to works that explore states of mind and identity precipitated through our brain’s reaction to dreams, visual perception, and illness.
Artists Melissa Marr and Heather Wilkinson will work over the course of the exhibition as artists-in-residence on an installation of the brain. This will evolve from their research and ideas as well as conversations and interactions with professionals in the field of health science and those who view the show. Visitors will have an opportunity to reflect upon the artists experience and to develop an understanding of their own brain responses through engagement in art and the creative process.
This compelling exhibition will include an extensive series of lectures, musical performances, films, studio programs, family events, school visits, curriculum connections and resources for educators including:
Sunday September 25 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Family Sunday Brain-ee-Art
Thursday, September 29 7:00 pm
Public Talk: Two Sides of the Brain with Dr. Ivar Mendez
Thursday, November 3 7:00 pm
Public Talk: The Teenage Brain-An Owner’s Manual with Dr. Stan Kutcher
