Trees of the Brain, Roots of the Mind

About

Inspired by the book, ‘Trees of the brain, Roots of the Mind’ by Giorgio A. Ascoli.Antonia Attwood explores the brain as ‘the most complex object in the universe, an infinitesimal web of connections and communications formed of tens of billions of nerve cells through tiny tree like structures. The computational power of such an intricate information-processing system is apparent in the depth and breadth of every sentient beings life.’ (Giorgio A. Ascoli) Through metaphorical imagery Antonia questions how this organ that is ever present in human existence can also be so misunderstood.

In her work Compulsive Charcoal Liz Atkin creates drawings following on from her travels to Wales, Norway and Scotland. These images — drawn from memory and imagination — are produced with charcoal sourced from willow trees on the site of Bethlem Royal Hospital. Imbued with a tactile and raw sense, a witness to the life and experience of Bethlem, it now bears testimony to her own compulsions.

In What Light, What Darkness Daniel Regan investigates the complex relationship between himself, his mother and their differing attachments to the childhood home. Inspired by childhood letters written to her during periods of emotional difficulties, Daniel uses the domestic environment as a site for reflection on both the past and present. In its infancy What Light, What Darkness investigates themes of the photographer’s mother’s present ill-health and his conflicting childhood memories through a mixture of photography and the presentation of unseen letters.