As a young man, Eran Gilat began his university studies following in the footsteps of his biologist father. Gilat quickly realized that although he enjoyed biology, his preference was neuroscience and the study of electrophysiology, the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues of human beings, mostly found in the heart and brain. Gilat is also a self-taught photographer and was initially drawn to street photography, although these days he spends most of his time in his studio, where he creates some fascinating still-lifes that focus on a wide range of subjects including mortality, animal organs, and even erotica. Kehrer Verlag has agreed to publish the book, Life Science, later this year. As a neuroscientist, Gilat has done extensive research on epilepsy and has often mentored medical students. Early on, the images that became part of Life Science were influenced by his relationships with his students; his photographs were a way of lessening the “yuck” factor of handling human organs. Although he doesn’t use human organs, Gilat finds their animal counterparts at natural history facilities and meat markets. He then brings these organs back to his studio, which he describes as “like a museum, a curiosity cabinet” filled with antiques. He then creates arrangements with sea creatures or taxidermy to produce images that seem a little “intriguing or disquieting,” a way of making pretty things that many people might find disgusting. Source
