is a true art-science collaboration between Pinar Yoldas (artist) and David Paulsen( neuroscientist) . Neural mechanisms of emotion are visualized through a three dimensional interface that highlights the tangible and spatial aspects of the human brain which gives rise to the intangible and the volumeless .
Our motivation is to bring to awareness some of the lesser known but critically important components of the brain that belong to the constellation of structures known historically as le grande lobe limbique, a.k.a the limbic system. Occluded by the often more voluminous and characteristic gray matter of the cortical surface, these components are situated deep in the brain. Although they may differ in size and shape across species, they are common to mammals, birds, and reptiles. Without these basic components, practically every aspect of our function would suffer.
In addition residing at the center of our brains, LIMBIQUE is also positioned at the center of our lives.
We begin by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to acquire a high-resolution (1 cubic mm) brain image. This image is then decomposed into multiple 2-Dimensional coronal "slices" that serve as templates for vector graphics outlining the cortex (outer surface), the white matter/gray matter boundary (inner tracing), and the specific regions of interest. Next, these vector based images are used to create high-precision acrylic renderings of each brain slice and anatomical region of interest. Finally, the acrylic pieces are assembled and suspended according to their relative positions in brain-space.
