This clay sculpture focuses on the neuroplastic nature of the brain that aids its recovery following a stroke – the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to experiences.

We wanted to illustrate both the disease and recovery of a stroke patient through a physical medium.

We chose clay to form the exterior head; one side of the face is notably drooped; a common characteristic associated with strokes.

One half of the brain includes plasticine to convey its versatile nature, and to allow the audience to interact with and mould it, portraying how a patient’s external environment shapes their recovery.

In the other half of the brain, fairy lights were used to represent neurogenesis (growth and development of neurons); the lights also symbolise hope of recovery despite the physical and mental hardships that patients experience.

The goal of our art piece is to appreciate the resilience and strength of individuals’ afflicted by stroke, and that of the brain, where it can rewire itself and adapt to disease.