“Geinene’s artwork, varied over the course of her career, has in recent years focused on neuron-centric subject matter and creative advocacy connecting with communities internationally in the realms of rare disease, neuroscience, and mental/emotional health. This unexpected creative journey originated with the desire to better grasp her daughter’s rare genetic disorder (22q13) and developed into an intrigue with neuroscience and the beautiful complexity of the human brain.
Her inspiration comes from the hope found in its ability to create new pathways around inflicted damage and how, no matter our cognitive abilities, our thoughts (positive and negative) can influence that process. Her artwork serves as encouragement for each of us to express, own and reclaim our thought life in response to the obstacles we face.” – The Colour of Thought Exhibition Statement
On opening night, Geinene took the opportunity to explain to attendees in her artist talk, “What we think about, feed our minds and dwell on matters deeply, even to the point of being able to change our brain physiologically… repeated habits and thought patterns can be likened to a footpath made in the forest with the thoughts we choose creating a well-worn trail.” These neural pathways become easily found and followed by those coming after, resulting in a pattern of thinking, positive or negative, that can become embedded.
Geinene shares that The Colour of Thought stems partly from her own journey of choosing what she thinks about. This is not always easy, and she advocates for and empathises with “those who know what it means to feel the struggle – this tension between dark and light.” The idea of describing thoughts as having colour came naturally to Geinene, who said, “I have come to see the brain as more than just this flesh-coloured organ. I have always loved vibrant colours, organic lines and rhythmic patterns – characteristics I naturally see connecting to thought.” She is also inspired by scientific research, neuro-imaging and the vibrant colours seen in the microscope stains used for it.
Geinene was excited that the gallery opening saw a number of people from different walks of life turn out to see her work. Her art has engaged them in conversations about mental and emotional health as they contemplate the themes found in her pieces. “Art provides a non-intimidating and enjoyable way to address deeper, and difficult, issues in our shared human experience,” she shares. With the exhibition hanging in a church’s gallery space, this conversation can naturally include our spiritual health, and engage individuals who may not consider coming into a church otherwise. The collision between her inspiration and viewer’s interpretations of her artwork produces meaningful conversations and connections.
*Gallery 1740, is a nonprofit art gallery located inside Christ Church Presbyterian in Atlanta, GA. They seek to contribute to the city’s art scene by showcasing emerging and established artists who demonstrate thought-provoking concepts and technical craftsmanship.
