“The World Within”

Artist: Tass Hamed, Department of Visual Arts, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, Western University

Scientist: Homa Vahidi, Department of Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University

Art and science have been traditionally known as two separate entities. However, they can be interchangeably used in many different aspects, including bringing in different meanings and perspectives to the science world, and vice versa. As such, we attempted to create an abstract artwork that captures functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) research.

More specifically, acrylic paint was used to depict how near infrared light can be used to measure changes in blood oxygenation. Red and blue lines were used to signify fNIRS probes emitting and detecting near-infrared light, respectively. Additionally, we aimed to represent our interpretation of the cortical environment that the infrared light interacts with once it reaches the brain. In our work, we have included many shapes and colors to allude to the complexity and interconnectedness of the cortical environment.

fNIRS estimates the concentration of hemoglobin from changes in absorption of near infrared light. Through its journey, near-infrared light is heavily absorbed and altered by hemoglobin. These alterations can then be used to infer hemoglobin concentrations in tissues it passes through. Since neural activity is closely linked to changes in blood activity, changes in hemoglobin concentration indicate the change in neural activity. This was illustrated through the use of various shapes and colors as well as their interactions. Through this work, we have attempted to unite art and science and explore fNIRS through an artistic lens, but also leave room for individual interpretation.