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My friend Neil, aka shardcore, has recently painted a picture inspired by a MRI scan “Memento vita [self portrait with cortex exposed]“ - which I found very intriguing.

It reminded me of a time, in my early teens, when I was referred to an orthodontist by my dentist. If I recall correctly, the referral was because I had a bit of a problem that might have required braces to be fitted (I didn’t get them in the end; good job too, my self-image didn’t need that sort of addition!). I was also something of a rarity, as I don’t have, and will never have, wisdom teeth (feel free to draw your own conclusions - personally I’m relieved: They seem like nothing but trouble!). This last fact always seems to catch dentists by surprise when I visit (not had a regular dentist for ages, with all the moving we’ve been doing).

Anyway, as part of the examination, I was sent off to get an xray. The geek in me was fascinated by the whole process, but it was as nothing to when I actually got to see the xrays. I was bowled over by the fact that we could see inside, and the clarity of the picture was remarkable. But what particularly stuck in my mind was I could see the faint outline of my brain in the picture, and that just tickled me and fascinated me.

So Memento vita [self portrait with cortex exposed] is of particular interest because - as much of the rest of his work - it appeals to some of the same sensibilities. Marvellous stuff.