Order and Pattern
Joint 1st Prize for Imagining The Brain 2011



by
Edward Parkhouse (age 18)
The Leys School

Triptych in the category: Neurodegeneration

My piece was to put across the natural order and beauty that each individual scan of the brain holds, as it is synonymous with the complexity and sophistication of its function and ability. I wanted to create something which played with the notion of visual beauty, and much like an individual brain, create a sense of pattern, order and harmony to which the viewer was able to appreciate its aesthetic attributes yet connect with the patterns with the patterns and movements which link all three segments and scans. (Larger version of image above (2MB))

Comments from judges: "The artist has visualised the brain in many forms, portioning over three panels is particularly powerful. The artist’s creative development, seen in the supporting work, is especially interesting. We liked the monoprint very much and the patterns are striking, with a skilful use of media. " Collection of supporting work: The Nervous system (1.2MB) Puzzling the Brain (3.5MB) Exploding Thoughts (1MB) Brain building blocks (1.1MB) Brain_Hemispheres (1.1MB) Brain Waves (1.1MB) Spinal Cord (2.6MB) Brain_Expt1 (2.4MB) Brain_Expt2 (2.7MB)

Picture of Edward Parkhouse

Seeing The Difference
Joint 1st prize



by
Patrick Lyons (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Sculpture in the category: Neurodegeneration

The main sculpture is a disintegrating microtubule from a neuron with Alzheimer’s. The wire clumps are tangled mesh of aggregated tau protein. In a healthy neuron soluble tau protein stabilizes the microtubule and prevents disintegration. The fire-like impasto painting underneath is based on an image of an Alzheimer’s plaque formed from amyloid-beta protein, which have fallen out of the solution in the brain. And finally the photos symbolise memories that stay or are lost in alzheimers. New memories are lost first so the photos on the disintegrating balls are recent memories whilst childhood memories are still on the complete microtubule.

Other images: 1 (1.1MB), 2 (1.2MB), 3 (1.2MB), 4 (1MB)

Larger version of image (1MB) Comments from judges: “Accurate representation of microtubule elements. Imaginative skill, with a creative use of materials to generate a striking 3D version of the art form. A good use of mixed media.” Picture of Patrick Lyons

Alzheimer’s
2nd prize



by Tristan Currie (age 19)
Netherhall School and Sixth Form Centre



Digital art entry in the category: Neurodegeneration

Notes from artist:
Brain going through stages of disease. In the left image the letters spelling Alzheimer's are highlighted while in the right image they are deleted as part of the disease process.

Comments from judges: “Accurate representation of temporal lobes, with the diseased stage simple and strongly depicted. We really liked the graphical quality of the posters and the clever way the brain deterioration was shown through colour change and text (anagram and missing letters spelling Alzheimer’s” Large image (3MB) or separate images image 1 (1.6MB), image 2 (1.4MB) Picture of Tristan Currie Page from artbook (1.3MB) Page from artbook (1.5MB) Page from artbook (1.9MB) Page from artbook (1.5MB)

Neurodegeneration
3rd prize


by
Madeleine Lawson (age 17)
Netherhall School and Sixth Form Centre

Triptych with textile detail, in the category: Neurodegeneration

Notes from artist:
Triptych showing the deterioration of the brain over time. They represent the gradual loss of structure and how badly affected proteins cause others to become abnormal.

Comments from judges: “Entanglement at the channels as the disease progresses is an artistic yet accurate representation. The collage effect on the canvas with actual pins and threads drew us in. The progression of deterioration was also well captured in the facial expression of the subject. Large image1 (2.4MB), image2 (2.3MB), image 3 (2.3MB) Picture of Madeleine Lawson

Mind The Gap
Highly commended


by
Kirtee Kebla (age 17)
Netherhall School and Sixth Form Centre

Watercolour entered in the category: Neurodegeneration

Large version of above image (0.9MB),
Additional image (1.2MB)

Notes on the work: The inspiration for the piece was based on Alzheimer’s disease. At first glance, it depicts a brain scan, where the left brain represents one whose healthy while the right brain is of an Alzheimer’s sufferer. Upon a second look, the brain scans were adapted to also look like profiles of people which go on to symbolize further. Neurons were also added to frame the piece while also creating a visual image of the element found inside the body.
Picture of Kirtee Kebla

Comments from judges: “The neurons are drawn in an accurate form but beautifully illustrated – a variety of cell types are also depicted. Atrophied brain versus healthy brain was artistically combined. Loved the dialogue between the two brains. There was confident use of a range of materials, especially the papyrus (below), which was an exciting surprise. Lovely use of watercolour throughout, including the sketchbook work.”

Page from artbook Larger Image (1MB) Cover Page (1MB) Another sketch (0.8MB)

Death at your shoulder
Highly Commended


by
Frances Thompson (age 16)
Impington Village College

Painting in the category: Mass murderer, The Black Death (Plague)

Artist's comments: This is a double self portrait I created to show the intimate proximity with death experienced by medieval peasants and nobility alike during the black death. I tried to capture the atmosphere of superstition and paranoia in the twisted positions and intense, furtive expressions of the figures. The two identical people represent the conscious, living being (sitting), and the presence of their imminent death within them, depicted standing just at their shoulder, waiting patiently for the inevitable as if preparing to prey on their living counterpart at their weakest hour.

Larger Image (2MB)

Comments from judges:
“Artistically striking image concerning the Black Death. Masterfully portrayed through choice of colour and texture”

Sands of Time
Highly Commended

by
Chloe Austin (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Sculpture entry in the category:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Larger image (0.5MB)
Alternative view (1.2MB)

Comments from judges:
“Very original and startling, yet accurate depiction of neurodegeneration. An interactive, playful sculpture demonstrates an imaginative use of found objects. The piece shows a high level of technical skill to make an operational “Sand of Time”.”

Fire in the Mind
Highly Commended


by
Adam Duncan (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Video entry in the category:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Notes on audiovisual: The artwork consists of an interview I had with my great uncle who suffers from Parkinson’s and a PET scan of his brain that he had from when he was diagnosed with it both printed onto a piece of paper. I used fire to convey the way that Parkinson’s starts from something small and grows and grows and become life threatening and the interview to lend a touch of humanity to the piece because if people think of neurodegeneration as a whole they don’t see what it is like for the individuals that it effects.

Comments from judges:
“This personal interview with a real Parkinson’s Disease sufferer was thought provoking and effective. Very powerful visual imagery of burning through a paper diagnosis.”

Exhibits below have been entered under the category:

Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

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Joe

by
George Bainton (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Sculpture in the category:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Larger image (0.78MB),
1(0.7MB), 2(0.7MB)

Notes on sculpture: This piece shows the effects of Parkinson’s disease on movement.

Comments from judges:
“Depicts the idea of limited movement well. Could be further developed. The idea of using a defunct spark plug for the basic neural dysfunction brain is inspired."

Alzheimer’s - the end of bright ideas

by
Stephanie Fellows (age 17)
Hills Road Sixth Form College

Painting in the category:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Larger image (1.3MB)

Comments from artist:
“I wanted to get across the idea that Alzheimer’s destroys a person’s ability to think clearly. The brain has been turned into a light bulb with the left-hand side containing a healthy brain and so shining brightly and the right-hand side containing a brain with advanced Alzheimer’s and so being very dim. ”

Comments from organizers:
“This is a very well executed image that accurately portrays the devestating extent of degeneration seen in Alzheimer's.”

"The dispersion of identity in the minds of the demented"

by
Phoebe Collins (age 16)
Impington Village College

Sculpture in the category: Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Larger image (0.64MB), different view (0.8MB)

Notes on work:
“My piece looks at the destruction of the minds of people who suffer from dementia. Each seed represents a brain cell, which is slowly being dragged away from the mind. The mask is both the disguising of the illness which many sufferers feel necessary to put on, to fit in with society. I also see it as the personality and identity, which can be lifted away once the illness has infected the brain. I also tried to use photos of women of different backgrounds, to show how dementia can affect all people of different walks of life.”

Comments for the organizers:
“This is a beautiful and painstaking piece of work.”

Neuro-emotions

by
Sophie Burkitt (age 17)
Netherhall School and Sixth Form Centre

Drawing in the category:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Larger image (0.9MB)

Notes from artist:
“The faces reflect the emotions that the person with a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's will have. As each brain cell will be different each brain cell will have a different face/emotion”

Comment from judges:
“A great nucleus of ideas in the sketchbook and a very engaging and accessible final piece.”

Remembrance

by
Mary Venise Visaya (age 17)
Netherhall School and Sixth Form Centre

Drawing in the category:
Neurodegeneration

Larger image (1.2MB)

Notes from artist:
“My work shows how a disease or an illness can bring death and to remind the public that death will come. However it also brings good and bad memories from the past.”

Comment from judges:
“A very nice finished piece.”

Loss of Function

by
Alice Martin-Hawkins (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Entry in the category:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Larger image (0.6MB)

Enlargement from main picture

Overcome

by
Saffron Marsden (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Entry in the category:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Larger image (1.1MB)

Painter comments:
An old man being overcome with neurodegeneration, shown through the neurons on his forehead, unhealthy and healthy, it’s the inescapable passage of time through his eyes, and how old age is inevitable.

Comments from judges:
“Beautifully executed, however, the figure didn’t convey the emotion of loss or show clearly the effect of neurodegeneration”

Evolution of Neurodegeneration

by
Scarlett Ferro (age 14)
Parkside Federation

Entry in the category:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Larger image (1.3MB)

Comments from organizers:
“The idea of our brain directing our lives from the cradle to the grave is well conveyed here.”

Brain scan

by
Cara Gannon
Parkside Federation

Entry in the category:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Larger image (1.4MB)

Comments from judges:
We felt that this was a wonderfully executed piece with beautiful imagery. It was not clear what information it was conveying. Supporting work would have possibly been informative.

Expired

by
Alex Green
Parkside Federation

Painting in the category:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Larger image (0.6MB)

Comments from judges:
“Wasn’t clear on the scientific breakdown or the links between the figure and the shadow. Humorous text”

Alzheimer’s in the Brain

by
Kane Robbins (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Collage in the category:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Larger image (1.7MB)

Notes by artist:
“My final piece shows the stages of the brain as Alzheimer’s progresses and how upsetting it can be to lose treasured memories. ”

Comment from judges:
“A great deal of hard work has gone into this piece, which conveys the emotion and loss of memories very well.”

The silent killer

by
Shavana (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Collage in the category:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer

Larger image (1.2MB)

Artist's comments:
I have copied two brains out and coloured and drawn their descriptions.

Comments from judges:
“Supporting work would have been very helpful in allowing us to interpret this artist’s work.”

Tangled Cells

by
Catherine Watson (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Entry in the category:
Neurodegeneration

Larger image (6.6MB)

Artist's comments:
“The background shows the brain cells tangled with the neurodegenerative disease and the person’s thoughts are reflected on its face. ”

Comments from judges:
“This was a very thoughtful and complex piece. Many older people find self-expression through craftwork and this gave the piece a very human quality.”

Work of Edward Parkhouse, The Leys School, a winner of the 'Imagining The Brain' initiative 2011

Exhibits below have been entered under the category

Methods of a Mass Murderer - the Black Death (Plague)

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We all fall down

by
Megan Makinson (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Painting in the category:
Methods of a Mass Murderer - the Black Death (Plague)

Larger image (5.9MB)

Artist's comments:
My piece is a parody of Frederick Morgan’s ring a ring of roses painting (shown below). His is serene and they all look happy, while in mine they are dead. This is a truer portrayal as the nursery rhyme is describing the Black Death, from which thousands died.

Comment from judges:
“A well executed and very visually striking canvas.”

The Dance of Death

by
Hannah Strauss (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Textile entry in the category:
Methods of a Mass Murderer - the Black Death (Plague)

Larger image (1.5MB)

Artist's notes:
“The human organism as a puppet in the hands of the Yersinia bacteria. The death and deterioration shown by a dying puppet.”

Comments from judges:
“This was a beautiful and very well executed piece of work. The delicate use of textiles and representation of fever through singeing the fabric was especially imaginative. ”

The Death Equation

by
Stephanie Fellows (age 17)
Hills Road Sixth Form College

Entry in the category:
Methods of a Mass Murderer - the Black Death (Plague)

Larger image (1.0MB)

Comments from judges:
“This was a nice tonal companion piece to exhibit no 2, but conveys very little information about what makes the plague so deadly.”

Double image (0.9MB)

Massacre of Unintention

by
Ryan Carey (age 18)
Netherhall School and Sixth Form Centre

Painting in the category: Methods of a Mass Murderer - the Black Death (Plague)

Larger image 1 (0.38MB) or 2 (1.9MB)

Comments from judges:
“This was a very interesting piece, especially accompanied and informed by the sketchbook. The artist has taken a very scientific approach to the development of the artwork – really insightful!.” (see pages from artbook below)

Pages from artbook 1(1.2MB), 2(1.4MB), 3(1.1MB), 4(1.4MB), 5(0.8MB), 6(1.4MB), 7(1.2MB), 8(2.4MB), 9(0.5MB)

Deadly Ornament

by
Rhea Andrews (age 16)
Impington Village College

Sculpture in the category: Methods of a Mass Murderer - the Black Death (Plague)

Larger image (0.6MB)

Artist's notes:
“The reason for name - Deadly Ornaments - is because of the concept of humans touch and how we leave cells and disease on our everyday objects. It also comes from the deaths caused by disease and of how they are silent but deadly. My piece is made from acrylic paint applied on ceramic and glass objects. The pattern featured on the objects are from cells and bacteria of diseases, such as aids.”

Comments from judges:
“This was a visually very striking piece. It would have benefitted from further development to depict the structural beauty of the pathogens.”

Detail of virus or bacteria on glass

God Can’t Save You

by
Alex Wilson (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Entry in the category:
Methods of a Mass Murderer - the Black Death (Plague)

Larger image (1.4MB)

Artist's notes:
“My painting shows the fear of the people, knowing that they would eventually die of the black death and how they turned to religion.”

Comments from judges:
“An interesting copy of a medieval illustration giving prominence to the role of rats in carrying the fleas which spread the plague.”

Plague Doctor’s Mask

by
Sian Shannon-Sinclair
Parkside Federation

Entry in the category:
Methods of a Mass Murderer - the Black Death (Plague)

Larger image (0.7MB)

Comments from judges:
“This plague doctor’s mask has some interesting text, but it is not a coherent message.”

The Victory of Death

by
Alex.A.Prince-Mobbs (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Entry in the category:
Methods of a Mass Murderer - the Black Death (Plague)

Larger image (1.6MB)

Artist's comments:
“The grim reaper holding a human Brain and on top of the brain there is Plague flee, the grim reaper is standing on a pile of died people, and the pile is on a frozen lake of blood, behind the grim reaper is a projection of the earth.”

Comments from judges:
“This artist has clearly understood the apocalyptic nature of the Black Death.”

Black Suffering

by
Callum Fenn Macalister (age 15)
Parkside Federation

Entry in the category:
Methods of a Mass Murderer - the Black Death (Plague)

Larger image (1.5MB)

Artist's notes:
“A piece depicting the inflammation of the brain.”

Comments from judges:
“The focus is on black suffering, yet the suffering is universal. However, the anguish upon the face is evident and powerful.”

Publicity:
Cambridge News 29Sept 2011 (Online article)
Cambridge News 29 Sept 2011: Centre-spread (small version- 200KB) (large version- 7MB)
LMB News (link)
MRC Network Nov/Dec2011 (pdf)

Links to 2011 topics:
Neurodegeneration - the silent killer
Mass Murder - the Black Death (Plague)

Sponsored by MRC and MRC-LMB:
Poster and banner designs by Paul Margiotta, photographs of art works by Neil Grant,
topic designs by Graham Lingley and exhibition by Brian Tyrrell