Revealing Emergence

The artist and technology researcher Tove Noorjahaan Dalenius shares the journey of discovery, creative practice, technological research and academic dissemination, as well as face-to-face exhibition of the direct-write digital hologram Emergence , which visualizes the full extent of the clitoris in its anatomical setting. The intent is to invite readers to consider the entire endeavour through an organic and integrated approach. The project was built through a multidisciplinary process, using a practice-based research method. Through active collaboration and using collage visual methods, Dalenius created a well-researched transplane work of art which engaged audiences. The description of the exploration includes both facts and figures and some personal reflections to situate the journey. This article covers the inception of the project through to the exhibition of the artwork, a time span of fifteen years. The research concerning the anatomy of the clitoris by urologist Helen O’Connell and a visualization model by researcher and anti-sexism activist Odile Fillod are introduced. The reader is familiarized with the creative and technical medium of direct-write digital holography (DWDH). The work of art Emergence is revealed and details of the work are discussed. Finally, Dalenius describes displaying the work at the SPIE Photonics West conference, and The Women’s Building community centre in San Francisco, United States. Dalenius also brings the reader along to the Women in Tech 2023 conference in Stockholm and shares how Emergence became cover news for the feminist magazine Feministiskt Perspektiv ( FemPers ). The article is illustrated by ample images. By mixing innovative research in both the fields of anatomy and imaging technology, the artist/researcher/technologist has been able to create both beautiful and informative piece of art which engages the viewer. Through interaction with global audiences in different communities and settings, the work and the artist have informed, entertained and raised further questions and curiosity about anatomy, holography and societal issues.