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Cortex in Colour

Type
Hand-cut paper
Year
2024 - 2025

Inspiration and composition

Cortex in Colour â€¯is a vivid representation of the six-layered structure of the cerebral cortex, created entirely from hand-cut paper. Each layer is crafted from distinct sheets of paper in complementary colours, with darker backgrounds providing depth and lighter layers emphasizing neurons and fibres. This artistic choice mirrors the anatomical and functional differences within the cortex, making its complexity visually accessible. 

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Pompen’s experience during an internship studying cortical development influenced the design. The striking piece balances scientific accuracy with artistic expression, aiming to capture the beauty and intricacy of the brain’s structure. Crafted over 100 hours, the piece required meticulous precision, with Pompen collaborating with colleagues (Vicky Voet, Marleen Abbestee, and Anna Bartošová) who assisted in cutting and layering components to meet tight journal deadlines​

Connection to 'Mysteries in Science'

The artwork reflects the brain’s dual nature as a defined structure and a vast, largely unexplored frontier. By visualizing the cortical layers, Pompen highlights how much remains unknown about the brain’s development, function, and role in shaping human perception. She describes her piece as a starting point—a visual anchor in a sea of mysteries, emphasizing the balance of chaos and order within the brain’s architecture. 

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Through Cortex in Colour, Pompen demonstrates the power of art to make science approachable and engaging. Her work bridges the gap between scientific communities and broader audiences, sparking curiosity and fostering dialogue about the mysteries of the brain. She hopes viewers will marvel at the complexity underlying even the simplest human actions, from breathing to decision-making, and reflect on the interplay of science, creativity, and wonder. 

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About Nienke Pompen

The Artist

The Netherlands

Nienke Pompen is a second-year Master’s student in Neuroscience and Cognition at the Graduate School of Life Sciences, Utrecht University, where she also served as the head of design for the Neuroscience and Cognition journal. Her artistic journey began with a family tradition of creativity, nurtured by parents who encouraged artistic exploration alongside academic pursuits. Cortex in Colour represents Pompen’s first foray into merging art with neuroscience, inspired by her passion for communicating complex scientific ideas through visual storytelling. 

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