Concentration Statement

My concentration focuses on the structure and order of cells and molecules on the microscopic level. Specifically my concentration investigates the dependence of the various levels of structure on one another and the consequences of deterioration of this order in genetic diseases.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Concentration #9

This piece depicts PKU (Phenylketonuria). I chose bright yellow for the healthy section (bottom two-thirds) and a cool blue for the unhealthy section (top third). PKU causes brain damage, represented by the unraveling brain in the top of the painting. The other two brains are solid looking to convey that they are healthy. The three molecules running vertically in the middle of the bottom section are the type of molecule a person with PKU is missing, therefore the top lacks this molecule. The missing molecule normally converts the little yellow molecules seen in the top of the painting (phenylalanine) into the small blue molecules seen in the bottom of the painting (tyrosine). So, the little yellow molecules are accumulating disorderly in the top of the painting and the normal product is seen in organized rows in the bottom of the painting. The shape of the little molecule, the hexagon, is magnified in the large green shape seen in the background to give the eye a break from looking at all the little shapes and to integrate the two sections of the painting. I am very pleased with the composition of this painting. I think it has good balance and rhythm, and the anomaly in the brain and the anomaly with the various molecules are strongly evident.
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6 comments:

  1. I think you did a wonderful job with the contrast here! The giant green molecule (I believe it's a molecule?) works really well to break up space in the background and what you've layered over top of that is excellent as well!

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  2. this looks really good laura! i like the upper left hand brain and the anomaly in it. maybe go over the little structures you have next to that brain again because they look a little faded and not as precise as the ones on the bottom. overall, it looks really good!

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  3. EXCELLENT job layering a larger molecule behind the imagery for unity. You got it! :)

    Good contrast, balance, and unity in this image. One suggestion would be to add some thin dark lines to the yellow molecules just to pull them forward a bit. Otherwise, however, you did a great job pulling this composition together. Way to go!

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  4. This piece looks great and I like how you used the chemical structures to create balance between the blue and yellow. I also like how you incorporated a larger chemical structure into the background.

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  5. this one might be my favorite! I love the green shape you added; it creates a nice movement through the piece. Also the balance is perfect! The colors contrast so well!! great job!!

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  6. OK the green thing in the background made this. I like how it is subtle but creates a lot of contrast and intersting aspects in your piece. Diagional lines (I did remember something from freshman year :/) it really does make your piece more intersting. Also I like how you zoomed up instead of just small layers like you have been doing in the past. You're style is growing stronger with every piece.

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