Study for Mutated Synapse

The Science

A synapse is a junction that allows one nerve cell, or neuron, to communicate with another cell in the same organism through chemical or electrical activity. Synapses are formed through time and can also evolve with time, but mutated synapses usually impair the communication process. How far is the possibility of creating synapses between two different organisms? Would that involve mutation of one of the organisms, or both? Would that mutation result in a healthy change? Witnessing the moment of creating mutated synapses from different organisms is what inspired this work. These types of synapses may already be on the horizon, with genetically modified synthetic organisms.

The Medium

The color version of "Study for a Mutated Synapse" is a digital artwork. It originated as a hand-made drawing, etched on a copper plate and printed with black ink on paper. The etching was scanned and then coloured with software. The etching dimensions are roughly 6.5x8 in or 16x20 cm.

Artist Bio

Isaac Kerlow is a Mexican/American artist who is active in Los Angeles, California, and in Mexico City. Between 2009-2019 he was artist in residence and Principal Investigator at the Earth Observatory of Singapore, where he and his team developed and produced interactive games and films about Earth science and its impact on regional communities. He continues to make documentaries and artwork using traditional media and new technologies.

https://art-science-media.com/change/