Bodily Constructs

Curatorial Statement 

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Bodily Constructs explores the relationship between scientific discovery, medical advancement, and the human condition. Through the works of Amy Wetsch, Lennon Michalski, and Yoshiaki Nakamura, this exhibition provides an immersive investigation into the internal and external fragility of the human body. 

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Since the beginning of modern civilization, it has been an inherent desire of mankind to define and understand the systems of the human body. In placing emphasis on scientific and medical investigation, experimentation, and discovery, not only have humans been able to live with impairments, survive major surgeries, and even eradicate diseases, they have also been confronted with the reality of human life, death, and decay. Our bodies do not always respond in ways that we can understand, and even in discovery, we are confronted with uncertainty.

 

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Artist Biographies 

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Lennon Michalski is fascinated by the quick merging of our society’s culture and technology, through the recent advancements of science. His work reflects society’s attempts to evolve through medical and technological discovery and innovation. Michalski’s imagery conveys a world where the line between organic and machine has become blurred, giving birth to factual situations integrating technology and the human form where the characteristics of the two are indistinguishable. His work narrates the common struggles we have with the limited and fragile design of a human body. The work displayed in, Bodily Constructs, explores the work that scientists and innovators produce, through bioengineering, that capitalizes on replacing or repairing a damaged human design. 

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Featured Works | Mistakes Making Traits, Water-based pigment and medium on canvas, 2019 

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Amy Wetsch explores ideas of the internal and external struggles of the human body. Her process is a visual investigation of her personal experiences, research, and fascination regarding the misdirected inclinations of the body. She investigates how her immune response is to attack itself and the mystery within. In her work, Wetsch also questions the intentions and results of modern day medicines and treatments and our reliance upon them as a society. The work displayed in, Bodily Constructs, depicts symbolic shapes and forms that are invented through looking at microscopic imaging, invasive species, medical machines, and through observing the interconnectivity of systems that surround us. Wetsch was selected as a Sackler Fellow to exhibit at the National Academy of Sciences and was selected as a Hopkins/MICA Extreme Arts Participant. 

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Featured Works | Fresh Nap, Suction sealed bags, mixed media, 2018; Taste Buds, Gauze, moss, medicine cups, IV tubes, mulch, lotus pods, glue, lights, paint, ornaments, gardening hose, reflectors, 2018; Case Study, Wire, paper maché, medical bandage, expanded foam, examination gloves, pills, pill packaging, electrodes, gauze, wire, glue, wax, paint, tacks, 2017

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Yoshiaki Nakamura graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts in 2015 with a degree in Japanese Painting. His practice is largely related to his loss of hearing in the year 2000. He received a Cochlea Implant in 2012 that led to a complete change in his visual, audio, and temporal perception. Nakamura describes this shift as a transition from a two-dimensional, monochromatic, soundless world to a blended, two and three-dimensional world with vibrant colors and sound. In his work, he explores the borders and limits of communication between disabled and non-disabled people. The work displayed in, Bodily Constructs, seeks to find ways for people to overcome their discomfort with others that they perceive to be different by creating mutual understanding.

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Featured Works | Sound Creature, Fabric, iron sticks, metal garbage, oil painting, water, bicycle materials, gear machines, 2019

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Curated By 

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Hannah Davis

Ashley He

Tracey Jen

Eva Sailly

Minwen Wang

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Pilot Primer Demo 

The Fox Building 

3100 Falls Cliff Rd

Baltimore, MD 21211