I’m Pawel Szczesny

In the past...

I used to do research & development in multiple areas:
- structural and evolutionary biology (UCSD, Max-Planck for Developmental Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics PAS, University of Warsaw)
- biomarker discovery and new diagnostics tools (Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics PAS, University of Warsaw)
- drug target selection (Roche)
- nootropics formulas (Nootech)
- VR as therapy support (2Eye, Fobos)
The work above resulted in ca. 50 publications (to be found on my Google Scholar profile).

I was also active in the area of Open Science/Open Access and advised on this topic to Polish Academy of Sciences, Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, European Commission or UNESCO.

Now...

Now I spend my time between:
- visual arts and generative music (as an independent artist, check some projects below)
- AI-centric consultancy (Neurofusion Lab)

And I write, so far mainly on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PawelPSzczesny

Ping me there or at: ps at this domain name.

Visual projects

AI-TAT - in progress

The project involves the creation of surreal landscapes, which are meant to be utilized in Thematic Apperception Tests (TATs) for psychological analysis. These landscapes, characterized by their dream-like and unconventional nature, are crafted to provoke unique responses from individuals. The aim is to use these responses in TATs, a psychological testing method where subjects narrate stories based on ambiguous images, to uncover underlying psychological themes and patterns.

It’s an intersection of art and psychology, offering a novel approach to understanding the human psyche, albeit with the need for nuanced handling in its application.

Human condition in progress

This project involves the creation of collages using Gelli prints, designed to represent various psychological human conditions such as fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Gelli printing, a form of monoprinting, is used to create unique textures and patterns, which are then assembled into collages. These collages aim to visually encapsulate the complexities and nuances of different emotional states. The project’s focus is on exploring and depicting the psychological landscape of these conditions, translating abstract feelings into tangible art forms.

Psycho comics

Few comics about emotions and motivations. They illustrated my old newsletter “Hyperhuman Tech” that was focused on human performance.

Masks that wear you

This project consists of a series of 30 masks, each designed to represent a different emotional state, inspired by Lance Baker’s poem “The Masks That Wear Me“. The central theme of the poem, and by extension the masks, is the concept that emotional states possess a controlling influence over individuals. Contrary to the common saying that people ‘wear’ their emotions, Baker’s perspective suggests that emotions, in fact, ‘wear’ the individuals, indicating a more profound and dominating impact.

The masks are created as physical embodiments of various emotions, illustrating how these states can define or change a person’s identity and perception. Each mask is crafted to visually express the essence of an emotion, capturing its intensity and influence.

Molecular world

My illustrations of molecules have been used by Imperial College London, Science, The Scientist, Wired, Scientific American, The Verge, Harvard University, University of Cambridge, ZDNet and many others to illustrate reports, blog posts or articles about scientific discoveries.