BRAin a.k.a. CereBRAl hemispheres

I've been dithering as to whether to post this entry on my art blog or my fashion/design blog but, in the end, I decided to do both.

The photos show my entry in the Artful Bras Against Cancer fundraiser at the University at Buffalo, in Buffalo, New York.  This is the third year there has been an Artful Bra exhibit at the University and it is undertaken to raise money for breast cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

My entry is partly a wordplay, using as it does the B-R-A in both the words "brain" and in the phrase "cerebral hemispheres".

I even researched the brain in my anatomy and physiology texts, to make sure I had some approximation of the differences in the gyri and sulci on the surfaces of the left and right hemispheres.  Although both halves of the cerebrum look pretty much the same, there are some subtle differences.

I also incorporated some of what we know about differences between the right and left hemispheres in the decorative motifs.  Above the right cup - which obviously symbolizes the right side of the brain - are motifs representing art (a crayon), music (a violin and a treble clef) and also in mirror and a heart.  And what does that represent?  The right side of the brain is where we recognize people, so the heart symbolizes people we love and the mirror the act of recognition.

On the strap above the left cup,which represents the left hemisphere of the brain, I have sewn symbols for the things the left side of the brain is best at: logic, mathematics, language and spatial recognition abilities.  This is why there's a small blackboard with both numbers and letters, an applique for handyman stools, a truck, et cetera.

If you want to see the bras in person - I have no idea how many entries they will have but they usually get a good number - they will be on display from September 26 through November 4, 2011, at the Center for the Arts, Amherst campus, University at Buffalo.  Hours are Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

You can also bid to win one of the bras.  Use the link provided to learn more and to also see pictures of all the bras submitted.
http://wings.buffalo.edu/org/artfulbra/

The 2011 entries will be posted soon so, if they are not there now, try back in a few days!

Opening reception

The 2011 entries on display

Copyright Deborah C. Sawyer