Storey sisters illuminate the secrets of neuron birth in latest show
Published On Thu 22 Mar 2018 by Dominic Younger
The award-winning Storey sisters will launch their latest exhibition in Dundee this week, fusing the worlds of fashion and cellular biology.
Designer and social artist Helen Storey and her sister Professor Kate Storey, Head of the Division of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University, will launch Neurogenesis on Thursday 22 March at the Visual Research Centre in Dundee Contemporary Arts.
Helen Storey also holds the position of Honorary Professor of Design and Craft at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design at the University.
The duo previously collaborated on the Primitive Streak exhibition which attracted over three million visitors since its launch in 1997.
Their latest installation opens to the public on Friday 23 March and will run until Saturday 21 April.
This new artwork explores neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are generated within the developing nervous system, how they connect to make a functional nervous system and how this may be involved in memory making.
Using motion-tracking technology and projection, the sisters have merged footage of neurons being created from Kate’s laboratory, with a hand-crafted dress created by Helen, made from plastics worn by time and the environment.
Professor Kate Storey said, “Our work illuminates the cellular basis of the forming nervous system and challenges us to think about how this changes during our lives.
“The exhibition also illustrates our personal experiences of caring for someone with dementia.”
The exhibition was curated by LifeSpace, a research gallery at the University which promotes artistic collaboration with science.
LifeSpace curator Dr Sarah Cook said, “Neurogenesis is a powerful art installation and a direct example of the results that can be achieved through fostering ongoing relationships between art and science.
“LifeSpace and DJCAD are thrilled to support the premiere of this immersive artwork. It is another fantastic example of the Storey sisters’ innate ability to communicate important science in an empathetic manner. And it will launch our ‘Visual Research Centre at 20’ programme, celebrating the history of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design’s Visual Research Centre in the DCA.”
Neurogenesis was developed in collaboration with innovation studio, Holition, and supported by Wellcome and the Centre for Sustainable Fashion at University of the Arts London College of Fashion. A documentary film detailing the process of creating the work will also be on view.
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