- A groundbreaking art installation inspired by medical research has launched at the Centrala Gallery.
- Tom Ellis draws inspiration from fantasy, myths and storytelling.
- Shannel implies vintage furniture and traditional African fabrics as a canvas for storytelling.
A new installation of art inspired by medical sciences made its debut at the Centrala gallery in Digbeth. Opened on 7th of June, the show features the work of 12 artists, including several from the West Midlands, who have drawn upon patients’ experiences and latest research. The exhibition now in the fourth year displays a wide array of mediums. Each participating artist was paired with a team of scientists from the Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine. Together, they creatively interpret research projects and help in generating new ideas to advance scientists’ work.
Many of the artists chosen to bring a fresh perspective to medical research also bring their local touch to the collaboration, with eight hailing from the Midlands region. Amongst them is Tom Ellis who runs a creative enterprise Curious Oddities and his work draws inspiration from fantasy, myths and storytelling. Tom’s work reflects research on bacterial cells and new ways of dealing with antimicrobial resistance. This project led by Dr. Sara Jabbari involves creating a computer model of bacterial cells to aid researchers target a process that leads to antimicrobial resistance.
Another local artist, Shannel based in the West Midlands implies vintage furniture and traditional African fabrics as a canvas for storytelling. Her installation is the product of a partnership with researchers developing a predictive model for psychosis that addresses inequalities in access to early intervention.
Simon Peter Green, a renowned artist and photographer with past collaborations with musicians like Wu-Tang Clan and Kanye West, has worked with researchers on a graphical interpretation of studies on DJ beatmatching and interplay between mind and body to coordinate rhythm. Alex Billinghan drawing on their lived experiences as disabled, trans and neurodiverse explores innovative survival strategies through their work. His contributions to the exhibition include a short film and a 3D computer game inspired by artificial intelligence and human brain.
