PRIMITIVE REFLEX
INSTALLATION, 2015
GRÁINNE TYNAN (IE)
Primitive Reflex explores the artist’s experience of working as an occupational therapist (OT) with people who have suffered a trauma to the central nervous system, resulting in the return of their infantile (or primitive) reflexes. These hard-wired responses, which were adaptive as infants, can cause disordered movement, deformity, and reduced ability when they occur later in life.
Occupational therapists and physiotherapists commonly use splints in an attempt to prevent permanent contractures (shortening of soft tissues) following a stroke. However, according to a Cochrane review by a global independent network of health practitioners and researchers (Katalinic 2010), there is little to no evidence supporting this treatment method. As a result, therapists are relying on instinct rather than knowledge for their clinical reasoning. It is yet to be seen whether future scientific research will justify or critique the practice.
Primitive Reflex invites members of the public to enter into a conversation about the principles and materials used by healthcare professionals, empowering them to question approaches used in recovery from trauma. The surface of Primitive Reflex is delicately patterned with hand carved and inked illustrations, which allude to both the underlying anatomy and ritualistic tribal tattoos. The imagery references Gráinne’s experiences of voluntary OT work in the Fiji islands and cadaver prosection in the Anatomy Department of Trinity College Dublin. The piece probes the place of shared myths in today’s world, exploring boundaries between superstitious and scientific thought. It investigates the human desire to heal other’s trauma and places this in direct relationship with primitive shamanic tribal rituals.
BIO:
Gráinne Tynan graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a B.Sc. in Occupational Therapy in 2006. She has since practiced OT in various settings including brain injury rehab and youth mental health. Since 2011, Gráinne has also pursued a career as a professional visual artist. She currently works part-time out of MART Studios in Dublin. Her art practice centres around drawing, but also includes painting, sculpture and animation. Gráinne has exhibited in Visual Carlow; Nottingham Contemporary United Kingdom; Pallas Projects IMOCA; Monster Truck Gallery; Hive Gallery, Los Angeles; Foundation 14; Block T; The Library Project; Jennings Gallery, University College Cork; and The Courthouse Arts Centre. She has been awarded bursaries by the Arts Council of Ireland and Fingal Arts Office, and completed residencies in The Guesthouse and The Good Hatchery.