Each of us is a singular narrative, which is constructed, continually, unconsciously, by, through, and in us―through our perceptions, our feelings, our thoughts, our actions; and, not least, our discourse, our spoken narrations. Biologically, physiologically, we are not so different from each other; historically, as narratives―we are each of us unique.  ― Oliver Sacks, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales

What is your story? What is our collective story? What does it mean to be part of―and contribute to―the multitude of experience that comprises the human condition? These are the questions Cara Levine and Arianne Gelardin, curators of Indigo Mind, have asked while developing an inspiring exhibition that explores and celebrates the pioneering work of neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks.

What is Indigo Mind?

Indigo Mind is an ambitious group exhibition celebrating the work of neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks. Opening September 26, 2015 at StoreFrontLab in San Francisco’s Mission District, the project features artists who explore a range of brain and body phenomena examined in Sacks’ research. These works present the influence Sacks has had on our understanding of the human condition in its limitless variation and form. Indigo Mind highlights distinct physical and neurological states, named after various publications written by Sacks: A Leg to Stand On, The Mind’s Eye, Seeing Voices, Hallucinations, An Anthropologist on Mars, and Migraine. Each week’s focus will feature artists working within these distinctions, inviting the public to engage in activities that shed light onto these unique experiences. 

This project has been received with such open arms by the San Francisco Bay Area community and friends and followers of Dr. Sacks that it has grown into a celebration of great proportion. We are seeking lead sponsorship from organizations that align with our mission to connect the arts and disability communities, as well as support on any level from individuals who simply want to honor the impact Dr. Sacks has made through his work on the fields of creative, fine, and the performing arts. We welcome and are grateful for any help that you can offer.

*This exhibition is being mounted to honor the work of Dr. Sacks. Dr. Sacks has no direct role in the exhibition itself.  

Cara Levine is a San Francisco Bay Area-based artist. She explores the intersections of the physical, metaphysical, traumatic and illusionary through video, photography and sculpture. Her work explores the effects chronic pain, namely chronic migraine has on her experience in the world. She is humbled and honored to be co-curating this show in celebration of her lifelong literary hero, Dr. Oliver Sacks.

Arianne Gelardin is a San Francisco-based artist and curator. She works to dress the mundane with colorful moments and thoughtful interruptions, breaking us free from habitual attitudes and auto-responses. Arianne is Curator at StoreFrontLab, a community space for ideas and dialogue. The writings of Dr. Oliver Sacks has deeply influenced Arianne's work as she explores what it means to be fully human amidst a tide of ever changing realities. 

What We Need?

We need you! We are looking to raise $15,000 by September 13, 2015. Ambitious, indeed, but with your help, we can do it! $15,000 will enable us to support the following:

-Travel expenses for artist Emilie Gossiaux to host a public Dinner and lecture / performance presenting her Brainport technology.

-Travel expenses for David Bufano, brother of the artist the late Lisa Bufano. David will speak on her behalf about how his sister overcame illness through dance and art. 

-Workshops all over the Bay Area which engage in disability and creativity focussing on the color and feeling of Indigo: an Indigo dye bath, a beach walk and water color session, and a meditation in the gallery 

NOT TO MENTION:

-Material and installation

-Event and marketing

-Rental fees

-Artist travel 

-Artwork shipping