Evolution Series: Inner State Size: 9 x 12 Medium: Oil on linen The painting before was externally focused, so in this painting I wanted to capture more of an inner psychological state painting. Thus, this collection of objects represents what I am thinking about, or at least was when I started it. At the time I was reading a book about neuroscience, so maybe these objects also represent the prefrontal cortex and amygdala or other regions, most of which we share with all other mammals.

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Confused says:
Huh?

Dave O'Neill says:
In some of his recent (2007-2008) works, Mr. Hyman has demonstrated more technical representational skill that I as an unsophisticated viewer appreciate. Conversely he often used more abstract symbolism to which I am less responsive. I find that this painting appeals to both my sense of humor and my intellect because I can relate to the neurological and psychological references. For example, Batman represents a " psychologically disturbed ... incarnation of the therapy obsessed 1980's" according to a recent book review (Frood, Nature 1-22-09 pp. 383-384). Thus, Mr. Hyman may be linking his neurological exploration to larger themes. His accompanying explanation of the painting focuses on the mammalian brain (cerebral cortex) but the playful pink dinosaur might refer to "reptilian brain" or brain stem which is where many emotional responses originate. In my case my smile upon looking at the painting probably originated at that neural level. In conclusion, this is a very appealing painting on at least a couple of levels. The larger question that arises when I consider his works is when we will see the metaphorical corpus callosum of his art?