Keep Your Heart Open

Commissioned by Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in San Diego as part of their Valise Project. Completed in Fall 2023. Artist William Feeney made a box container for the heart.

Inspired by a fan accordion book structure, the illustrated heart, made up of panels showing the different components, opens and closes. Each panel is painted with relevant valves, artery/vein, and atrium/ventricle of the heart. Blood flows in and out of the heart and the lungs. The model is used to educate students in the biology of the organ, in schools all around San Diego County. Made with painted plywood and bookcloth.