We Are All Neurons: Design

We Are All Neurons merges art, science and education. 

Our brain cells allow us to experience the world, build knowledge and connect with others. The hundred billion neurons in each of our brains work like microscopic messengers, relaying our thoughts, dreams and imaginings.

During the 2013 State of the Union address, President Obama announced his support of a new initiative to map the human brain. Inspired by the BRAIN initiative, students in the Mural Arts LEAPs program worked with Benjamin Volta at Volta Studio to explore the many interconnections between art, creativity and the brain. The team explored the history of transit art alongside current research in neuroscience and brain imaging. After weeks of investigation, the students created hundreds of drawings that were compiled to create a colorful brain map, which will wrap the exterior of a subway car on SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line. Stepping inside the train, the micro becomes macro: riders will be able to walk through a visual presentation of the studio process, laid out in a series of posters.

SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line links people to thousands of real-world connections every day, which makes it the perfect vehicle for reflecting on the amazing networks inside our brains and for marveling at the interdependent galaxies that lie hidden just below our surface.

Mural Arts LEAPs
As part of our efforts to create opportunities for emerging artists, Mural Arts created LEAPs (Local Emerging Artists Projects). Mural Arts’ art education offers local artists opportunities to create small, unconventional projects in partnership with students. Students visit artists’ studios and work side-by-side with them to create temporary works of art. Each project is unique and works to expose students to contemporary art practice.