The Universe Within is a variation on the
Body Works exhibit that is now in Chicago and was recently in Los
Angeles. The Universe Within is about one third the size, has more
of a scientific feel and less claim to be art. It comes from China
and the figures are Chinese, not European. There are no animals nor
fetus. The exhibit is at the Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco
until September.
I recommend it highly. It is one of the best exhibits I have seen in years. What I learned is that my son, who teaches Chinese martial arts and Chi Gung, is right. He emphasizes the importance of physical structure for power, not muscle. It is clear that a human body can stand up-right with just bones and ligaments. Our power derives from the position that we place our bones in, not how muscular we are. It's pure mechanical leverage.
It is further clear that the muscles of
the body all twist and intertwine, meaning the turning and twisting
exercises we do in Chi Gung are highly relevant to health and vigor.
Lastly, my son emphasizes that the shoulder is not a ball and socket structure, it is a ball near a socket with dozens of cross webbed muscles pulling in every direction. The shoulder requires special exercise and caution.
Nerves, digestive, blood and urinary systems are delicate but are shown in the exhibit. I personally think that one of the most important systems is not shown because medicine barely understands it. The lymph system ... which pumps nearly as much fluid as the blood system,but is not red or blue and is rarely taught about.
I cannot imagine anyone with an ounce of curiosity missing this exhibit.