Susan Aidworth and Andrew Carnie

Newscastle upon Tyne, UK - This stunning and provoking exhibition was submitted by the Regulatory and Engagement Manager at CANDO, Michael White, who had been working with the artists.

Here’s what he had to say:

The Illuminating the Self exhibition is an artistic response to the Newcastle University-led CANDO project. The project is developing a combined gene therapy and electronic implant that will use light to prevent seizures in those with focal epilepsy.  Artists Susan Aldworth and Andrew Carnie spent two years working with the scientists and engineers to learn about the project and then develop their response.

Aldworth's work involves the testimony of over 50 people with epilepsy and the 100 items of clothing were embroidered by a network of volunteers from around the UK. The work has been supported by the Epilepsy Society, the Embroiderer's Guild and the Royal School of Needlework. The mechanical aspects of the installation were supported by engineers from Imperial College London.

The exhibition which was due to run at the Hatton Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne until 9 May explores aspects related to the project such as what it means to live with epilepsy, 

Twitter: @CandoNcl
Website: www.cando.ac.uk