Intersecting Minds

Geinene Carson

Magnifying Restoration

Abstract painting with a color palette of deep blues, purples, and vivid reds. At the center is an oval, lens-like shape, magnifying an intricate cluster of angular, branch-like forms in hues of red, orange, pink, and turquoise. The outer edges are darker and more diffuse, while the central magnified area bursts with interwoven textures.

Acrylic on Canvas

Artist Statement

Sensing there is more to life than only what can be seen with the naked eye drives every scientist and researcher to their microscopes on a daily basis.

In this case, reaching across the gap of injury, cells begin to respond, collaborating one by one towards the hope of restoration. A depiction also meant to resonate with the overall need for each of us to identify and thoughtfully respond to areas in our own lives we sense needing to be restored.

Collaboration with Dr. Ximena Soto, Dept. of Biology, Medicine & Health, Univ. of Manchester, UK, observing the zebrafish’s capability of regeneration after spinal cord injury, contributions in regenerative medication for humans. 

How Are You Really?

A surreal, layered painting features two semi-abstract human figures facing each other, rendered in vivid blues, pinks, purples, and oranges. Their forms are intertwined with flowing, ribbon-like bands that wrap around their bodies and blur the boundaries between them. At the center, their heads dissolve into a tangled constellation of white lines, sparks, and orbs. The background shifts from deep indigo on the left to pale cream on the right, enhancing the sense of movement and transition. The composition evokes connection, inner turmoil, and mutual recognition beneath surface appearances.

Acrylic on Canvas

Artist Statement

Our connection to empathy is not only conjured from what one may see and hear during an interpersonal exchange but also from neural activity going on under the surface. Mirror neurons, a unique type of brain cell, activate both when an action is being performed and when observing someone else performing the same action.

When someone is seen experiencing an emotion such as joy, sadness, or pain, mirror neurons may activate as if experiencing the same, creating a kind of neural resonance. This mirroring mechanism nurtures our ability to understand and imagine what others may be going through, forming the biological basis of empathy. It allows one to intuitively sense others’ emotional states, fostering deep connection even without verbal communication.

Artist Bio

Visual artist Geinene Carson creates vivid works of original art that embody a unique intersection of art, science, and lived experience. Her art focuses on neuro-centric subject matter and is meant to intentionally blur the lines of the abstract and physiological—a body of work originating from her daughter’s diagnosis of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (22q13). Her intent is to bring expressionistic, experiential fine art to the scientific community while incorporating scientific research and structure into the world of artistic expression. Her creative advocacy connects with a variety of communities in the realms of rare disease, neuroscience, and mental health. From her home studio in Atlanta, GA, she engages a wide variety of audiences by exhibiting her artwork internationally and creating a thoughtful collection of neuro-centric merchandise for personal and professional settings.

Artist Contact Information:

Website: Geinene.com

Insta: @geinene