Some might find it disgusting, some might find it fascinating. To me, since I’m rather of the science-y type, I think I’ll totally love the Gunther von Hagens’ Body Worlds: The Original & The Cycle of Life Exhibition when it opens in Singapore. First held at the Singapore Expo in 2003, it attracted huge crowds to view its plastinated specimens. Making a comeback this year at a new venue, Body Worlds hope to attract even more to its educational display of preserved human bodies.

The Ring Gymnast

The technique of plastination, invented by the man behind the exhibition, Gunther von Hagens, replaces fluids in our tissues with reactive plastics, thus enabling us to see the body in its almost actual form. Minus the smell, blood, and the other side effects. This year’s exhibition gives visitors an insight on the human life cycle and aging. Starting from the little cells in one’s womb, to the rebellious stage, and finally, the peak of maturity and white-haired wisdom. Displays include:

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius – an exhibit related to the beginning of life, featuring a collection of embryos and fetuses from two weeks old to near full term. Sounds slightly scary to me, but still, I’m curious as to what did we look like in our mom’s body, and how the cells grew to form what we are right now.

Smells Like Teen Spirit – Looks into the developing teen’s brain and the teen penchant for risk and originality that influences art, music, fashion and technology. Alas, I’ll be able to see what makes my mind tick, and find out why.

The Artists’ Gaze – Be awed at the display on sight and vision at birth and at other points later in life. Also, this display presents computer simulation of the vision of Impressionist painters whom suffer from eye diseases, Claude Monet and Edgar Degas. This is absolutely fascinating, being finally able to see how others with disabilities view the world, as well as being able to see what’s the line of vision for infants, something which has always intrigued me.

Fast Forward Fandango – Have you always wondered what would you look like when you’re old? Or perhaps, what you would look like, if you’re weighed down by obesity or bad habits (such as smoking). Developed by Perception Labs at St. Andrews University, Scotland, and with the aid of a camera and computer programs, this display allows you to (somehow) see into the future and predict your looks. Sounds fun doesn’t it?

Centennial Village – Longevity. That’s something which almost all hopes for. This display features findings on geographic clusters around the world where the oldest living people live, from Okinawa in Japan to the Hunza region of Pakistan. Learn more about their lifestyle practices and traits, something which all of us can take away.

Well, main part aside, I was utterly excited when I realized that there was a complimentary Body Worlds’ picture/information book with the press kit, and upon reaching home and making sure that I was comfortable in my chair, I tore apart the plastic wrapping and flipped open the book.

My first impression of the pictures in the book was absolute fascination. Being able to see the human body, muscle by muscle, organ by organ just kept me immersed in the book for an hour or so. If just by flipping the pages, I gain a truckload of interesting information, I seriously do wonder what would it be like, once I’ve gone to the exhibition itself. Although I’ve gotten some comments about the book from my ‘really disgusted’ friends, saying that the exhibits look scary, think I’ll still drag them along (with a rope if need be) to view the wonders of science.

All flesh and muscles; Reindeers

If you do love to learn of how the body works, like how a normal human body would be like compared to a dysfunctional one, and how’s our body’s like under our skin, do be sure to visit the Body Worlds exhibition at the Singapore Science Centre. Held in The Annexe from 23 October 2009 to 6 March 2010, Monday through Sunday, 10am-6pm. Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $12 for children (3-16 years old) for admission to Body Worlds ONLY or $21 for adults and $13 for children (3-16 years old) for admission to Body Worlds AND Science Center.

Advanced ticket purchase is available at www.bodyworlds.com.sg from 5 October to 22 October 2009 at $15 adults, $9 child (3-16 years). Price includes admission to the Science Centre.

PHOTOS: GUNTHER VON HAGENS’ BODY WORLDS & INSTITUTE FOR PLASTINATION

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