Beyond Thresholds
Beyond Thresholds
This digital collage by Catarina Rodrigues, was created in response to the research on the influence of intranasal insulin on the development and behaviour of children and young adults with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS).
Inspired by a morning spent with Olivia, a teenager living with PMS, and her family, Catarina reflected on the intricate layers of human interaction and nonverbal communication, particularly observed in Olivia’s connection with nature and the world around her.
The artwork combines swirling shapes, reminiscent of Olivia’s fascination with tunnels, with blurred bright points, symbolising the anticipated interaction between insulin and the SHANK3 gene.
Catarina added an extra layer to the artwork using augmented reality (AR). By going beyond its physical bounds, the artwork moves from a static to a moving piece, highlighting the often invisible and unpredictable nature of genetic disorders.
Artist – Catarina Rodrigues
Catarina Rodrigues is a UK-based multidisciplinary creative working with digital design, creative coding and emerging technologies.
With a background in filmmaking and computational arts, her work has been exhibited at The Barbican Centre, Turner Contemporary and featured on art and tech platforms.
Dr Inge Van Balkom
Senior Researcher, Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen
We are researching the effects of nasal insulin on cognition and social skills in children with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS). This is a rare disease caused by the deletion or change of the SHANK3 gene, which codes for a protein needed for connections between nerve cells. It is characterised by developmental delay, behavioural problems, speech delay, low muscle tone, epilepsy, and sleeping problems.