This beautiful and striking image shows a histological view of the Organ of Corti, a teeny, tiny organ deep within the Cochlea. When sound vibrations wiggle the small hairs within this organ, messages are relayed to sensory cells and the brain where we make sense of them.
With this particular painting, I had the idea to turn the organ 90 degrees and paint a reflection, which gives a very Rorschach inkblot feel, doesn’t it? I feel like the overall effect is an arresting and intriguing structure whose minimalist portrayal belies the shocking physiological complexity within.
This painting is part of my Reflections of the Senses series in which each painting depicts a histology of one of the senses.