Viewing Me, My Brain and I

On 14 December a series of brain sculptures by world-renowned international artists including David Bailey, Tracey Emin and Gavin Turk will be auctioned at Christie’s in London in aid of Parkinson’s UK. The auction will also be livestreamed via The Auction Collective, where the viewing room is now live.

The participating artists were asked what their brain means to them, and to create a new work inspired by their response. The resulting sculptures are as fascinating as the brain itself, ranging from D*Face’s melting brain to Hayden Kays’ solid wood casket titled Brain Dead. Especially poignant is the multi-coloured brain sculpture by Alex Echo, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in early 2020.

‘I hope my brain sculpture, Tremor, will create a visual representation of what it’s like to live with Parkinson’s,’ Echo said. ‘It’s been difficult, but when I’m doing art, time disappears. Parkinson’s disappears. Worries disappear. Art saves my life every day and has for 42 years.’ It’s time to raise those paddles!