Brief Biography

For over 30 years, Dr. Plioplys has been both a neurologist/neuroscientist and a professional artist.

His neurology research has concentrated on finding causes and cures for cognitive disorders, from autism in children, to Alzheimer’s Disease in the elderly. He has published 73 clinical and research articles and 62 abstracts, and made over 100 presentations to medical professionals. He is the recipient of 10 major research grants which have totaled $2.8 million (including $2.4 million from the National Institutes of Health).

For the past 20 years he dedicated himself to caring for severely cerebral palsied children and young adults. These are the most disabled and underprivileged individuals in our society. With the superb hands-on care provided by dedicated nurses, Dr. Plioplys has reported the world’s best survival rates data for this disadvantaged population, an accomplishment that he is very proud of.

The beginning of his artistic passion started in Toronto—a childhood friend introduced him to oil painting. It was during medical school at the University of Chicago, that Dr.Plioplys became seriously engaged in artistic activities—creating oil paintings, visiting museums and galleries, and studying the history of art. Over four years, the passion for art grew so strong, that after completing internship, he left medicine entirely, and dedicated himself to art.

At this juncture, he traveled coast-to-coast investigating art schools in North America. At every school he visited, without exception, he saw the same art being created: abstract expressionism. This was the artistic dogma of the day. Dr. Plioplys realized that he must pursue his own form of conceptual art independently. As an artist, he is entirely self-taught.

During these years that were fully dedicated to art, he had many exhibits which received favorable reviews. He also studied the accomplishments of the Lithuanian painter and composer M. K. Ciurlionis. He made many original discoveries which were published at the time, and eventually were included in his book Ciurlionis: Mintys / Thoughts. This full-time commitment to art lasted three years, at which point he realized that he was not using his talents in neurology. He wanted to help others overcome their illnesses and disabilities. He then started neurology training at the Mayo Clinic. Also, at this time, he realized that his art must be combined with his neuroscience interests.

His art work has been an ongoing metaphorical investigation of consciousness and the thought process. Over time he has used many different techniques to pursue this vision, including outdoor installations, photography, works on paper, audio productions, indoor site-specific mixed-media installations, and more recently digital technology to create large scale prints on canvas. Even though his work is visually engaging, it is the concepts underlying the works that are of paramount importance. He has transformed the neurobiology research laboratory into an artist's studio. Dr. Plioplys has merged neurology and neuroscience with art.