3D LifePrints 3D prints hearts for Heart of the Matter exhibit

The Heart of the Matter is an arts-and-science project exploring the human heart, its narratives and its forms, leading to a public exhibition tour in 2018 in Newcastle, Bristol and London. UK-based Medical 3D model experts 3D LifePrints participated as a sponsor providing several of the 3D printed heart models on display.

The project makes use of a truly interdisciplinary approach to explore what our hearts mean to each one of us, how we perceive cardiovascular function and anatomy, and the infinite stories that we carry in our hearts. While technologies such as medical imaging and 3D printing allow us to look at the function and anatomy of the heart, an artistic approach enables us to explore imagery and emotions that are connected to this organ. The project has involved different audiences in creative arts workshops, unearthing an array of narratives and designs that have been turned into artworks.

The project was conceived by artist Sofie Layton and bioengineer Giovanni Biglino, who started exploring the themes that underpin The Heart of the Matter during Sofie’s residency at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London (2015-16).

The Heart of the Matter was developed by Sofie and Giovanni with health psychologist Jo Wray. The work is produced by Susie Hall (GOSH Arts), Nicky Petto and Anna Ledgard in association with Artsadmin, and is supported by the Wellcome Trust, the Blavatnik Family Foundation, Above&Beyond, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. 3D LifePrints, along with RapidformRCA, also contributed providing 3D printing services.