Simeon Nelson: Anarchy in the Organism (2012)
In 2012, UCLH Arts & Heritage commissioned artist Simeon Nelson to create artwork for the recently opened Macmillan Cancer Centre. Anarchy in the Organism was presented at the University College London Macmillan Cancer Centre and the Wellcome Trust.
The artist residency engaged patients, staff and the public with the science of cancer and its social, cultural and ethical impact. Nelson worked closely with researchers, patients, and staff, interviewing them about the personal, emotional, social, cultural, and scientific aspects of cancer.
Nelson also worked with a scientist at University College London Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging to generate computer code based on Voronoi cells to simulate cancer life and death. Combining this with the input from patients, Nelson created a digital artwork depicting organisms in different states of growth, mutation and decay to a soundscape composed by Rob Godman.
"We developed complex coding to create the piece. We used computer languages to create these organisms that grow and evolve. The computer coding we used allowed us to create a programme that mimics the way that cancer operates."
Nelson, a professor of sculpture in the School of Creative Arts, at the University of Hertfordshire, aimed for the piece to look at cancer in a systemic way. Working with ideas from complexity theory, emergence, and the philosophy of science, Nelson is fascinated with the biology of the human body, how it assembles itself into a complex organism and in how we maintain a sense of self within the growing and ageing process.
For more information about the project: Anarchy in the Organism | Simeon Nelson (simeon-nelson.com)
About the Artist
Simeon Nelson’s interdisciplinary practice spans sculptures, installations and time-based works that offer insights into patterns, perception and systemic connections between art and science. His practice involves collaborations with musicians, programmers, and scientists on interdisciplinary projects with leading arts organisations like Artichoke and funders, including the Wellcome Trust, The Arts Council and the EU. Nelson’s artworks are inspired by developments in quantum, chaos and complex systems theory that continue to revolutionise the human and physical sciences.
About UCLH Arts & Heritage
UCLH Arts & Heritage is the hospital arts and heritage project that serves UCLH NHS Foundation Trust and its surrounding community and is funded entirely by charitable donations and fundraising. UCLH Arts & Heritage is committed to providing a welcoming, uplifting environment for all patients, visitors and staff through the use of a varied and stimulating arts and heritage programme. Its work aims to improve the patient experience, boost staff morale, increase engagement with the arts and celebrate the Trust’s unique heritage and community.
Since 2005, UCLH has worked to improve patient and staff outcomes through the Arts. It does this in a number of ways, including a changing exhibition and music programme, creative workshops on wards, artist residencies, commissioning site-specific artwork, and a staff culture club. UCLH arts and heritage receives its funding from UCLH Charity and the Friends of UCLH.
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Email: uclh.uclharts@nhs.net
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