Shelter in Place
2020
20″ W x 24″ H
Acrylic on canvas
This painting was created in response to the pandemic during official shelter in place orders. The inspiration draws on how one would build a shelter in the forest, a structure constructed in preparation for living exposed to natural elements – an absolute must for the chance of survival in harsher environments.
Instead of gathered sticks and forest debris, the construction is oddly made from neural connections, because as important as our physical surroundings are to our state of living, our thought life holds the key to thriving within whatever the circumstances may be. The reality is each of us is crafting a space in which to live and the quality of that structure is revealed when the storms come. Our thoughts can either build a solid shelter for protecting us well or a haphazard frame destined to come crashing down, leaving us trapped and even more vulnerable.
This lean-to, neural structure symbolizes the importance of controlling our thoughts while forced to hunker down in the “wilderness”. By examining the notions which have taken up residence – the fear, anxiety and grief – we can tend to the places in need of renovation and repair, nurturing deeper personal growth and establishing a healthier place to dwell.
“Editor’s Pick” Award, 2020, Scientific American MIND online publication
Prints Available
Limited Edition Giclée
14″ x 11″ image on 16″ x 13″ paper
Print run of 200
$45
Each print titled, numbered and signed by Geinene.
Printed with archival ink on archival paper.
About the Neuron Series
My expressive paintings on neuron-centric subject matter advocate for communities in the realms of rare disease, neuroscience, and mental health. The content originated with my daughter’s rare genetic disorder. I became intrigued by the complexity and beauty of the human brain, inspired by the hope of its ability to re-circuit around inflicted damage.
I bring expressionistic, experiential fine art to the scientific community, yet incorporate scientific research and structure into the world of artistic expression. While the genre of digital neuro imaging is emerging, my unique approach weaves this ground-breaking content with human experience, creativity and painterly tradition - supporting fine art’s foothold amidst the growing influence of technology. My imagery intentionally blurs the lines of the abstract and physiological - recognizable as neurons to those with a trained eye but inclusive to all who are curious.
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