Portrait of the Brain

What can the brain’s behaviour and misbehaviour tell us about the human self as a physical system, a living creature and a conscious mind? What is the place of the mind in nature? In his new book,Portrait of the Brain, cognitive and behavioural neurologist Adam Zeman, tells the stories of some of his patients. He gives a fascinating insight into what is happening within the brain when someone suffers from conditions such as memory loss, hysteria or CJD, the human form of mad cow disease, delving into history and philosophy along the way.

Joining Adam this evening will be Masud Husain, a neurologist from University College London, who is studying visual disturbances following a stroke. Artists Gus Cummins and Shelley James will tell us how their art has been inspired by their own neurological conditions. Shelley battled with chronic fatigue syndrome and the brain scans she had led to works on the connection between inner experience and outer appearance. Gus has epilepsy and his work is motivated by the need to overcome the stigma. The artworks they will show will demonstrate what these two apparently diverse fields can learn from each other.

Event organised by:
The European Dana Alliance for the Brain

Speakers

Gus Cummins, artist
Shelley James, artist
Masud Husain, University College London
Adam Zeman, Exeter University, author of Portrait of the Brain
Facilitator:
Mark Lythgoe, University College London

Image: Shelley James