In homage to Cajal, I have embarked on a multi-faceted project: Aesthetic Instincts: the Intersection of Art and Science in the Life of Santiago Ramón y Cajal. Through this series of drawings and paintings, I explore the life of Cajal (May 1, 1852 – October 17, 1934), a trailblazer in the field of neuroscience and the father of modern neuroanatomy. My artwork fuses Cajal's intricate neuronal drawings with biographical elements, imaginative narratives, and elements of surrealism. Cajal, a Nobel Laureate, was the first to reveal that the nervous system consists of individual units known as neurons, which are interconnected through synapses. His drawings of neurons not only laid the groundwork for our understanding of the nervous system while revealing beauty and complexity of intricate structures.
I aim to "profile" Cajal, exploring into the psychodynamic aspects of his life and the interplay between subjective experiences and scientific achievements. By recreating Cajal's own drawings, I strive to comprehend the role of art in shaping his science, while revealing the tapestry of his life and career influences.