This piece is inspired by serotonergic neurons, primarily located in the raphe nuclei of the brainstem, whose projections extend widely across the brain.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter often associated with mood, but its role goes beyond simple happiness. It helps regulate emotional balance, sleep, appetite, and a steady sense of well-being. Unlike dopamine, which is linked to reward, motivation, and bursts of excitement, serotonin is more subtle — it sustains a background state of calm, stability, and contentment.

Artwork size (unframed): 21 × 29.7 cm (A4). Acrylic on Clairefontaine 250g noir paper.

Framed size: 30 × 40 cm. Presented in an IKEA RÖDALM frame (walnut effect).

This piece is inspired by Purkinje cells, a distinctive type of neuron located in the cerebellar cortex of the brain.

Purkinje cells are known for their highly branched, tree-like structures — among the most elaborate in the nervous system. They play a central role in coordinating movement, balance, and timing, integrating vast amounts of input to produce precise and controlled output.

In this drawing, the branching patterns expand upward like a forest, rooted below and reaching into complexity. The structure reflects both their biological form and their function: gathering signals, refining them, and shaping the fluidity of motion.

Artwork size (unframed): 21 × 29.7 cm (A4). Acrylic on Clairefontaine 250g noir paper.

Framed size: 30 × 40 cm. Presented in an IKEA RÖDALM frame (oak effect).

This illustration explores the blood–brain barrier (BBB) — one of the most selective and protective interfaces in the human body.

The BBB is formed by tightly connected endothelial cells lining brain capillaries. Unlike blood vessels elsewhere in the body, these endothelial cells are sealed by tight junctions, reinforced by pericytes and astrocytic end-feet. Together, they create a highly regulated barrier that shields the brain from toxins, pathogens, and fluctuations in the bloodstream.

Most molecules circulating in the blood cannot freely cross this boundary.

And yet, the barrier is not silence.

While large or harmful substances are blocked, the endothelial cells of the BBB express receptors for many signaling molecules — including histamine, inflammatory mediators, and cytokines. Even when molecules do not physically cross into the brain, their signals can still be sensed, translated, and transmitted inward.

The brain is protected — but it is not isolated.

This work reflects that paradox: a physical barrier that still allows communication. A membrane that filters matter, yet carries meaning. It reminds us that inflammation, stress, and immune activation can shape the brain not by invasion, but by signaling.

A boundary — and a conversation.

Artwork size (unframed): 21 × 29.7 cm (A4). Created on cold-pressed watercolor paper with medium grain and high cotton content (50–90%).

Framed size: 30 × 40 cm. Presented in a black IKEA RÖDALM frame.

This illustration captures a mast cell at the precise moment of degranulation — one of the defining events of an allergic reaction.

When an allergen re-enters the body, it cross-links the IgE molecules attached to the surface of mast cells. Once a critical threshold is reached, the cell degranulates.

Granules fuse with the cell membrane and release inflammatory mediators, which further trigger the familiar symptoms of allergy: swelling, itching, redness, and asthma.

Allergic reactions, however, do not exist in isolation. Through the neuron–immune axis, immune activation is deeply intertwined with mood and perception. The same molecular signals that drive inflammation can influence how we feel — and our emotional state can, in turn, affect the threshold at which allergic responses are triggered.

Artwork size (unframed): 21 × 29.7 cm (A4). Created on cold-pressed watercolor paper with medium grain and high cotton content (50–90%).

Framed size: 30 × 40 cm. Presented in an IKEA RÖDALM frame (walnut effect).

This illustration is inspired by the polytene chromosomes of fruit flies — enlarged, banded chromosomes found in the salivary glands of fly larvae, formed through repeated DNA replication without cell division.

For many geneticists, polytene chromosomes are a teaching image. For me, they are personal.

As an undergraduate, I first encountered genetic linkage through fruit fly experiments. Long before DNA’s structure was known, scientists used recombination frequencies to map genes along chromosomes. They could not see DNA — yet they saw order in probability. That was when I first felt the beauty of genetics.

Years later, I spent long days in a small fly room, sorting and counting. At the time, it felt overwhelming. Looking back, those hours under the microscope now feel strangely peaceful.

Within the four tiny chromosomes of a fruit fly lies some of humanity’s earliest understanding of genetic theory.

For me, they also hold a part of my own story.

Artwork size (unframed): 21 × 29.7 cm (A4). Created on cold-pressed watercolor paper with medium grain and high cotton content (50–90%).

Framed size: 30 × 40 cm. Presented in an IKEA RÖDALM frame (oak effect).

“My brain releases dopamine when I am drawing”.

This painting is inspired by dopaminergic neurons, the nerve cells that release dopamine.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in brain’s reward system. It is released when we experience pleasure, curiosity, anticipation, or when we engage in activities that feel meaningful or motivating.

For me, painting is one of those moments.

Artwork size (unframed): 21 × 29.7 cm (A4). Acrylic on Van Gogh 360g fine-grain black paper.

Framed size: 30 × 40 cm. Presented in an IKEA RÖDALM frame (black).