Neuro Sculpture

As a sculptor I aim to three-dimensionally illustrate the theories behind how billions of independent nerve cells create something that is greater than the sum of their parts. The brain is perhaps the most complex puzzle in the universe. My art seeks to give form to those mechanisms of the brain which have yet to be fully articulated. Drawing inspiration from neuroscientific and psychological literature, I create pieces that offer an interpretation on processes such as memory, thought, perception and consciousness (Figures 1,2,3,4). In order to capture the complexity and the enormity of my subject matter, I use scale as a tool to provide my viewer with an intellectual and physical experience (Figures 5,6). Being someone who is endlessly fascinated with the many phenomena of the brain, as an artist I ultimately strive to instill at least a little bit of that wonder in my audience.

Julia Buntaine attained her BA from Hampshire College in Massachusetts, double majoring in Neuroscience and Sculpture, and continued her studies at Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, earning her Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Studio Arts. Buntaine has shown in multiple group exhibitions at both Hampshire College and MICA, has an outdoor sculpture installed on the grounds of Hampshire College, and has a work in Johns Hopkins University’s permanent collection. Buntaine will be entering graduate school in the fall of 2012 at the School of Visual Arts in New York, attending their Masters of Fine Arts program.

Figure 1 The potential of action potentials [2010]

Figure 2 The shape of (a) thought [2011]

Figure 3 Stream of consciousness [2011]

Figure 4 Perceptual instability [2010]

Figure 5 Quale [one] [2011]

Figure 6 Untitled [thalamus] [2012]

Acknowledgements

Disclosure: The author declares no conflict of interest.