Friend or Foe?

Mixed media installation with audio.

Scientific Arts: How the Brain Perceives the World through Creative Practice, Galway University Gallery.

This artwork is based on neuroception, a neural process, capable of distinguishing environmental and visceral features that are safe, dangerous, or life-threatening.

Scanning facial expressions for cues of a basic level of safety or danger, and perceived emotions.

It has been found that when a person suffers a trauma the brain's ability to evaluate their environment has been impaired. The perception of threat can be constant with the possibility that the body is stuck in survival mode. Both our neuroception and interoception, sensing the signals from within our bodies can sometimes work against us.

As the brain regulates all the major systems of the body, they then can become overwhelmed when faced with ongoing threat or even the perception of threat. So, one's survival mechanism begins to work against them, releasing cortisol, which some refer to as the stress hormone, hampering these systems.

For the organism to thrive, one’s environment must be safe. “As long as the mind is defending itself against invisible assaults our closet bonds are threatened, along with our ability to imagine, plan, play, learn & pay attention to other people's needs.” (1)

We self-regulate to achieve homoeostasis, the condition of optimal functioning for the body. Controlled breathing is considered a bottom-up regulation of the nervous system.

The combined elements are a comment on how the inner workings of the mind and body ultimately affect one’s ability to function in the world.

1 Bessel Van Der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score 2015

Upcoming exhibition as part of the

Contemporary Collage Festival

Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Ireland.

F23AN24

June 8 - Sept 28 2024

An exhibition of 30+ artists practicing nationwide,

of which I am delighted to be included

@linenhall_arts

@connachtcollagecollective