"Dissection as Studio Practice with Real Anatomical Specimens," Class with Laura Splan, Observatory, Next Monday, July 23

I am very excited about "Dissection as Studio Practice," a class taking place next Monday, July 23, at Observatory. Taught by artist Laura Splan, the class will begin with an illustrated survey of the use of notions of "dissection" in contemporary art practice; these principles will then be applied to in-class projects which include the dissection of your very own anatomical specimens (i.e. frog, sheep brain, cow eye). This class is open to all expernience levels, and participants are invited to bring additional materials, objects and artifacts that will inspire their “dissective” inclinations.

We had a wonderful time in the last iteration of this class, as you can see from the photos above. Full description of the class follows. Class size is limited; if interested, be sure to RSVP via email to morbidanatomy[at]gmail.com. You can see more of Laura Splan's work by clicking here. Hope very much to see you there!

Lecture and Studio Art and Dissection Class with artist Laura Splan
Date: Monday, July 23
Time: 7-10 PM
Fee: $75
*** Class size is limited to 16; please RSVP to morbidanatomy[at]gmail.com
This class is part of the Morbid Anatomy Art Academy

This class will survey the use of dissection in contemporary art practice through an illustrated lecture, specimen dissections, and studio time for individual and collaborative projects. We will examine the conceptual and cultural significance of cutting, excavating, disassembling, labeling, observing and displaying “bodies.” The lecture will present a brief history of dissection as well as work by contemporary artists exploring imagery, tropes and methods of dissection. The collaborative and individual art projects will be fun and lively hands on explorations of the meaning of dissection in a work of art. Each student will receive a complete specimen dissection kit (i.e. frog, sheep brain, cow eye) to create a self-directed dissection project with. Participants should bring additional materials, objects and artifacts that will inspire their “dissective” inclinations. Additional supplies will be provided by the instructor to stimulate your creativity. No prior art training is required. Everyone is welcome.

Laura Splan is a Brooklyn based visual artist. Her mixed media work explores historical and cultural ambivalence towards the human body. She was a Visiting Lecturer at Stanford University where she taught “Art and Biology”. She has been a Visiting Artist at the New York Academy of Sciences, California College of Art, San Francisco Art Institute, Maryland Institute College of Art, and Cal Arts. Her artwork was recently commissioned by the CDC Foundation. She curates the visual portal DomesticatedViscera.com. Images of her artwork can be found on her website: LauraSplan.com. You can find out more here. Feel free to contact Laura through her website with any questions about the class by clicking here. You can see photos from the last class by clicking here.

You can find out more here, and RSVP with an email to morbidanatomy[at]gmail.com.