Deep in the Heart of Your Brain: notes from an exhibition

Deep in the Heart of Your Brain was the title of Jacqueline Donachie's 2016 solo show at the Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow. This publication centres around Hazel, a key work from that show - a compelling film connecting the experiences of sisters where one sibling has inherited the gene for myotonic dystrophy and one has not, to a wider discussion around relationships, age and appearance. Donachie has long had an interest in the capacity for artworks to influence research and care in the field of genetics, and has collaborated for many years with researchers in both Glasgow and Newcastle. In this book and in her work she raises questions around health, ability, and the assumptions made both by 'the outside world' and within family dynamics. Art can be a powerful method of articulating lived experience - everyone has a story to tell, to share. The book contains full transcripts of Donachie's frank interviews with sisters, as well as a new, commissioned work of fiction by award-winning author Nicola White, and an essay by journalist and lecturer Moira Jeffrey looking at life stories, epiphany and sisters. This publication is an excellent resource for scientists, artists, families living with myotonic dystrophy, and museums looking at the social and emotional complexities around disability, care, relationships and ageing.…