The role of the primary motor cortex is to generate neural impulses that control the execution of movement. It is a part of the long-term memory that is procedural (implicit). These memories are typically acquired through repetition and practice, and are composed of automatic “sensorimotor behaviors” a.k.a. muscle memory, that are so deeply embedded that we are no longer aware of them, and just become automatic. As a dancer, you embrace this sensorimotor behavior of a routine through repetition, and thus embodies the primary motor cortex’s function gracefully. In this position, the dancer is utilizing all muscles to create a unique shape, however appears to do it effortlessly, also similar to the usage of the primary motor cortex. Thus, I wanted to highlight her complexity of shape with the color around her. In light of a performance, vibes, control, and strength are utilized to capture an essence and an aura of energy. Everything past that is simply motivation to create and use more space to create a piece of art. Therefore, I channeled that ideology of dance with the gradation of color from yellow to black, and transitions of pattern of stripes to small shapes. Without the primary motor cortex, the body dysfunctions, withers, then essentially becomes paralyzed. With that in mind, I also wanted the dancer to appear that she’s almost at breaking point with her body, and could be paralyzed if it weren’t for her brain functioning well. This is portrayed by the extension of the back arm, and the facial release upwards. Essentially, my main agenda was to achieve a piece that portrayed a strong sense of motion through the subject, color, and pattern that motivates a strong connection to the dancer and her emotion from her movement.
Title:
Tessellate
Media:
Graphite, watercolor
