DR. GREG DUNN IN COLLABORATION WITH DR. BRIAN EDWARDS | BRAIN MACHINE INTERFACE, 2018

DR. GREG DUNN IN COLLABORATION WITH DR. BRIAN EDWARDS

Brain Machine Interface, 2018

Large 22k handmade gilded microetching (32 x 43 inches, framed to 36 ¼ x 47 ¼ inches). Number 5 of a limited edition of 5. 

The animated reflective microetching Brain Machine Interface is a piece about the interconnected future of the human brain. It simultaneously comments on both the amazing benefits and potential dangers of these powerful neural interfacing technologies, and will hopefully serve as a reminder to humanity to proceed with cautious optimism.

As the viewer moves from the left to the right of the etching, neurons synapse into and create a face initially with a terrified expression. This symbolizes the average person’s fear regarding the future of human/machine evolution, particularly concerning the more invasive implant technologies currently being utilized. The etching then transitions into an expression of awe, relief, and joy upon their successful implentation – restoring lost functionality, enhancing human cognition and communication, greatly increasing our access to information, etc. Finally, circuits spray out of the face and symbolize this evolution toward enhancing human potential.

Upon viewing the etching from right to left, however, the opposite progression unfolds: humanity achieving a godlike state through the use of these technologies only to fall victim to unwise misuses that lead to a degradation of the human soul.

Brain Machine Interface is the very first and largest etching of its kind to ever be made available to the public. Microetchings are handmade lithographs that manipulate light on a microscopic scale to control the reflectivity of metallic surfaces in precise ways. These techniques were invented by Dr. Greg Dunn and his colleague Dr. Brian Edwards in order to change the way in which the viewer experiences a painting. Please note that microetchings are designed to evolve based on the moving perspective of the viewer and are impossible to capture in still images. 

PROVENANCE:

Courtesy of the artist