Dura Pater

17” x 20”

In loving memory of Thomas Gerteisen, 1943-2025.

Improv-pieced interpretation of a brain MRI showing parietal lobe atrophy, often seen in people with Alzheimer's Disease. The Dura Mater is a layer of connective tissue that surrounds and protects the brain, and translates as "hard mother" from Latin. The title is a play on this, and also reflects the Latin roots of "endure" and "father." What bits of life, ephemera, memory, personality, human-ness endure - within the person with the disease and those who love them - as the disease progresses?

2024, NFS