Synapse conveys an abstract depiction of the neural pathways found within the brain and my own relation to dyslexia's influence on them. The many lobes of the brain are interconnected through circuits which when looked at as whole, resemble that of an extremely complicated map. As we grow and learn, we develop more synapses, which in turn create a more efficient system for memory retention and capacity to learn.

While science continues to unravel what dyslexia and other learning disabilities [LDs] are and how they impact learning, one prevailing theory is that areas of the brain which are associated with cognitive significance to reading, writing, math etc. have altered matter compared to those without LDs. This is not a detriment necessarily, but has shown that through specialized instruction, the brain can be trained to improve its processing and learn more efficiently through this process. Verified by MRI scans, the map of the brain is fundamentally reworked to improve retention and memory as opposed to those who do not receive instruction. Pedagogy has slowly adopted these teaching techniques more widely, where previously only specialized schools like Windward led the way.

As someone who has multiple learning disabilities including dyslexia, I have found the best way to describe the experience is to compare it to taking the scenic route as opposed to the highway through my brain. I have an Ivy and Oxbridge education today, thanks to the early education I received at Windward. My brain has learned to use its scenic neural pathways academically and creatively. Through the donation of this piece, I hope to give back in a small way and assist in the great work Windward does for its students in its halls and beyond.

In Synapse, the spectrum of blue impasto oil paint sits on top of an ultramarine base. The color of wisdom (and Windward), these two blue compositions lay on top of one another mimicking a bird's-eye view of an abstracted topography. Almost touching, the thick oil paint reaches towards each other, with pulsating teals rippling through the Prussian blues mimicking that of the electric currents found traveling through neural pathways. Will they connect or not?

Synapse, Oil on canvas, 24"x18", 2022

Artist Bio:

Axel Getz '14 attended The Windward School for seven years. He is a visual artist based out of Brooklyn NY. He graduated PBK from Brown University in 2018 and received his Masters from Jesus College, Cambridge. He works primarily in oils and watercolors, focusing on memory, queer experience, nostalgia, and organic abstraction. You can see more of his work at Axelgetz.com