Neuronal Tiles
2024, Neuronal tiling pattern (In-silica), Print of silk scarf, 100 x 100 cm
Michael Whittle and Kaoru Sugimura
2024, Neuronal tiling pattern (In-silica), Print of silk scarf, 100 x 100 cm
Michael Whittle and Kaoru Sugimura
Tiled Thoughts
Silk scarf designs based on computer models of neuron growth patterns, 90 x 90cm
Michael Whittle (Neuronal Tile courtesy of Kaoru Sugimura)
Silk scarf designs based on computer models of neuron growth patterns, 90 x 90cm
Michael Whittle (Neuronal Tile courtesy of Kaoru Sugimura)
About the Artwork:
Brain cells, or neurons, grow elaborate branch-like extensions to communicate with other neurons. Their patterns of growth vary depending on the type and function of the cell, with the branches gradually spreading outwards until they encounter other cells and growth halts.
These space filling tiling patterns were developed by Biophysicist Kaoru Sugimura using mathematical computer models, in an attempt to mimic and understand the underlying chemical processes at work that give rise to the distinctive shapes of these cells. For this project the patterns have been adapted to create new fabric design for the collection.
Brain cells, or neurons, grow elaborate branch-like extensions to communicate with other neurons. Their patterns of growth vary depending on the type and function of the cell, with the branches gradually spreading outwards until they encounter other cells and growth halts.
These space filling tiling patterns were developed by Biophysicist Kaoru Sugimura using mathematical computer models, in an attempt to mimic and understand the underlying chemical processes at work that give rise to the distinctive shapes of these cells. For this project the patterns have been adapted to create new fabric design for the collection.
Michael WHITTLE
Michael Whittle is an artist and researcher specializing in Diagrammatology, the study of diagrams. He previously qualification and training as a Biomedical Scientist, before changing subject to study fine art. His artistic practice incorporates images, ideas, and data from science, as well as dialogues with scientists about their research interests and motivations. Recent projects include ‘Butterfly on the Sun’, a large-scale installation for the 2022 Changwon Sculpture Biennale developed in consultation with astrophysicist David Hathaway of NASA’s Ames Research Center. In 2023, Whittle co-founded ‘Pollen’ with artist-technologist Atticus Sims, an AI-powered creative studio in Kyoto, Japan. He is currently Associate Professor of Contemporary Art in the Department of Art and Design at the University of Macau.
Michael Whittle is an artist and researcher specializing in Diagrammatology, the study of diagrams. He previously qualification and training as a Biomedical Scientist, before changing subject to study fine art. His artistic practice incorporates images, ideas, and data from science, as well as dialogues with scientists about their research interests and motivations. Recent projects include ‘Butterfly on the Sun’, a large-scale installation for the 2022 Changwon Sculpture Biennale developed in consultation with astrophysicist David Hathaway of NASA’s Ames Research Center. In 2023, Whittle co-founded ‘Pollen’ with artist-technologist Atticus Sims, an AI-powered creative studio in Kyoto, Japan. He is currently Associate Professor of Contemporary Art in the Department of Art and Design at the University of Macau.
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