acrylic on canvas 510mm x 510mm
I’ve had the data from an experimental MRI scan of my head for a while, and this is the second piece of work inspired by it. I am fascinated by the extension to perception offered by technology, and am always astonished by the ability to ‘look inside’ a body without dissecting it, even more so when it’s my own. I’ve obviously painted the outside of myself a number of times before, but this is the first time I’ve looked below the surface.
Part of the motivation was in consideration of memento mori as a theme. The idea of painting skulls and other symbols of death, to remind the viewer of their own mortality has been around forever, however here I get to consider the contents of my skull and all that it entails for the embodiment of the self, prior to death. Science lets us do this.
Strangely, I found the process of painting my own brain quite affecting, and more disturbing than I expected.
UPDATE here’s a ‘fly through’ of my head, left ear to right:
Et in Arcadia ego.
Is there a story behind the MRI scan?
I’ve been inside the scanner a few times for various experiments. However, this last time I asked if I could have a copy of my head to keep. Nothing sinister, and no structural abnormalities observed…It is quite fun poking about the inside of your own head – I’ll post a ‘fly through’ video later…
I’d like to convert that data into a quake level, form a counter-strike team of radical X-tians and try to convert your scientific ass. The gods’ next battle for mankind should be fought inside your head.