“BrainGate Diva” – A powerful work of art that pushes the boundaries of social norms
Discover the unique strength and individuality in this expressive painting.
As a child, Dr. Magdalena Laabs loved reading stories about the Mesozoic era, the age of the dinosaurs. In her painting "BrainGate Diva" she refers to one of them - the Tyrannosaurus rex. Dr. Laabs currently runs an engineering firm and is interested in new technologies.
Symbolism of the figure and the surrounding elements
In the painting "BrainGate Diva" from the series "Grotesque: The Power of Individualism" , a woman is shown sitting on a green armchair. The woman has a distinctive, expressive face with striking makeup - blue eye shadow and red lips. Her hands end in three fingers. This three-fingered depiction refers to the Tyrannosaurus rex - a carnivorous dinosaur from the Cretaceous period that lived about 66 million years ago. This feature gives her figure a surreal and fantastical appearance, reminiscent of mythical creatures and alien life forms.
Integration of technology and people
"BrainGate" refers to advanced brain-computer interface technologies that enable the connection of the human mind with the symbolize technology.
The surrealist interpretation of "Diva" adds an element of theatricality and drama that is consistent with the surrealist style of Painting fits. It suggests that the figure in the painting is not only unique but also plays an important role in the context of technology and individualism.
Protest and reflection
The name refers to the theme of protesting against surveillance and loss of privacy. "BrainGate Diva" symbolizes a person who has become an icon of the fight for the right to maintain their privacy and Individuality in a world where technology intervenes more and more in people's lives.
Mesozoic
The Mesozoic Era, often referred to as the “Age of Dinosaurs,” includes three major periods: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. The Mesozoic was a time of great geological and biological change, during which dinosaurs dominated and the first mammals, birds and flowering plants appeared. Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous are crucial periods in Earth's history that shaped the world today. Unfortunately, the Cretaceous period ended in a mass extinction in which 75% of species became extinct. This is what our world is currently heading towards. Fortunately, new species emerged in their place. This is similar to the current situation where the world is heading towards replacing humans with cyborgs, a combination of humans and machines.
Man connected with the machine
A human who is connected to a machine and has an implanted chip that can read his mind and transmit information is often referred to as a cyborg. The term "cyborg" comes from the words "cybernetic organism" and refers to a being that has both biological and artificial (cybernetic) elements. In science fiction literature, as well as in scientific fields such as biotechnology and robotics, cyborgs are described as entities that exhibit varying degrees of integration of technology with the human organism. These technologies can include implanted chips, mind-controlled prosthetics, and devices that can monitor and influence brain functions. We must remember that any program can be updated, and while you may have a simple chip implanted today, the same chip may turn out to be capable of much more after an update.
Advanced technology
In the context of advanced technology, implanted chips that can read minds and transmit information are often referred to as:
- Brain implants
- Brain-computer interfaces (BCI)
These technologies are already in the research and experimental phase, and some of them have medical applications, such as helping people with paralysis communicate or controlling prosthetics with thought.
Examples and applications
- Neuralink: A company founded by Elon Musk that is working on developing brain-computer interfaces that can enable direct communication between the brain and computer.
- BrainGate: A research project developing brain implants that allow paralyzed people to control computers and devices with their thoughts.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS): A medical device implanted in the brain and used to treat Parkinson's disease, depression, and other neurological disorders.
These technologies raise both excitement and concerns about privacy, ethics, and potential impact on human autonomy and identity.
My painting is a sign of protest
My painting is a sign of protest. We humans want to continue to be individualists. We don't want to be constantly monitored. We are already being suggested to have chips implanted and are being told that this is for our benefit and comfort. But as is often the case, “every stick has two ends.” Yes, it may be convenient to pay with an implanted chip, open doors, but as is the case with electronics, any such chip can be hacked, and then someone you don't want to trust can read your thoughts. Also, I personally don't want anyone to know my thoughts. I value my individualism and the right to privacy is of utmost importance to me.
We don't have to have "superpowers" like those offered by chips that inject knowledge into our brains. These chips can work based on a direct brain-computer interface (BCI), which allows information to be transferred directly to our brain. However, you have to remember that our brain is the best computer in the world, so you shouldn't just give it access. The technology for transmitting information into the brain and reading information from the brain already exists, although it is still in research and early-stage application. It's better to be a dinosaur without chips than a cyborg with chips. Let's change history and not allow the Homo sapiens species to die out like the dinosaurs died out.
warning
The image is intended to make us think about whether we as humans want to die out like the dinosaurs and wake up one day with a chip in our head that reads even our most secret thoughts? Dinosaurs died out over millions of years, but today this is happening much faster, and before we know it we will become cyborgs with a chip in our heads. Many may think it's good because you can pay in store without having a credit card or phone. But is reading our most secret thoughts and conveying what we're supposed to think really good for us as humans?
reflection
You think that's impossible? But it is already possible. The fact that you don't know anything about it just means that, unfortunately, we down here don't know much. We are to the elites like workers in Egypt who helped build the pyramids.
Breaking norms
The woman's figure, surrounded by intense colors and surrealistic elements, symbolizes the constant struggle for personal freedom and self-expression. Her expressive face and the pillow on her head are a call to acceptance and celebration of what makes us who we are. The pillow on the woman's head suggests a state of dreaming, introspection, or the inner world that remains private and personal despite external control and surveillance. Through their unique appearance and environment, I want to convey that true freedom is accepting yourself as you are, regardless of societal expectations and norms.
Motives used in the picture
- Green armchair: Symbolizes comfort and stability in expression of himself.
- Pink pillows with dots: Add a surrealistic element added, can symbolize support or comfort in the environment.
- Blue curtains: Create depth and color contrast, enhance the surrealistic character of the picture.
The style of the picture is surrealistic and grotesque, which fits perfectly with the series "Grotesque: The Power of Individualism" . The figure of the woman is depicted in an expressive way with exaggerated proportions, which gives her a dreamlike and fantastic character. Clear lines and intense colors characterize the modern, expressive style, which emphasizes the uniqueness and individuality of the depicted figure.
The overall effect of the image is both fascinating and thought-provoking. The composition and coloring encourage the viewer to reflect on societal norms and personal freedom, while emphasizing the woman's inner strength and determination.
"What makes me different makes me who I am."
✍️ Signature:
The painting is signed by the author and can be framed.
✍️ Author of the painting:
Dr. Magdalena Laabs
Option 1: Original oil painting 80 x 100 cm
- 🌟 Unique original: Each painting is a unique work of art, signed by the author, Dr. Magdalena Laabs .
- 📜 Certificate of Authenticity: The original painting comes with a certificate of authenticity confirming its authenticity.
- 🎨 High Quality and Durability: Painted on high quality canvas, the oil painting offers unparalleled quality and durability, keeping the colors vibrant for years to come .
Option 2: Limited edition of 50 canvas prints
- 🔢 Limited Edition: Available in a limited edition of 50 numbered copies (e.g. 1/50, 2/50).
- ✍️ Author's signature and certificate: Each print is signed by the author and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
- 🖼 Stretched on a stretcher frame: The Reproductions are printed on cotton canvas, stretched on stretcher bars and ready to hang.
- 🛡Protected with varnish: By using a special, high-quality varnish, the prints are protected from fading and retain their quality for a long time.
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💰 Affordable Price: The prints are available at a cheaper price and are an excellent alternative to the original oil painting.
Each print is additionally hand coated with a clear varnish which not only provides additional protection to the image but also makes it more similar to the original.
We will be happy to send additional photos or a video upon request. A personal visit is possible after prior telephone arrangement. Both versions of the painting offer a unique opportunity to own a distinctive work of art that will enrich any interior with its depth and sophistication.
🌈 Special offer:
We also recommend combining this painting with other works from the series "Grotesque: The Power of Individualism"
❓ Questions?
Contact us at any time via WhatsApp. We will be happy to advise you!
🖼 Frame options:
The picture is sold unframed, but we offer a wide range of framing options - from simple to highly decorative. The most commonly chosen frame colors are silver, gold, white and black, but we also accommodate individual customer requests.
📱 Contact us:
We encourage you to contact us if you have any specific requirements or questions.
We appreciate your interest and would be happy to help you design your dream interior. You can send us a photo of your space and we will create a visualization showing what our images could look like on your wall.