Week 7: Neuroscience & Art

     This week showed me that neuroscience offers valuable insights into this intriguing relationship between art and the brain, exploring the cognitive and emotional processes underlying our artistic experiences. It is incredible how the advancement in real-time brain imaging has revolutionized our understanding of the brain's response to art. Specifically, Christopher deCharms' TED Talk does a great job highlighting the ability to observe brain activity as we engage with art, providing a window into the neurological mechanisms at play.

Figure 1. Brainbow

    I believe that the concept of neuroculture emphasizes the complexities between neuroscience and culture, shaping our interpretations and emotional responses to art. Specifically, it was interesting reading Howard and E. Gardner's cognitive approach in "Art, Mind, and Brain," in which they explore the intricate cognitive processes underlying creativity and artistic expression. By examining perception, imagination, and problem-solving, they were able to gain insights into the cognitive mechanisms involved in artistic creation. Through art, we can delve into our emotions and connect with something greater.


Figure 2. Octopus Brainstorming 

    Overall, I find that neuroscience offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of our minds. From brain imaging to the intersections of human and animal cognition, this discipline enriched my understanding of artistic experiences. Furthermore, by bridging the gap between science and art, this week deepened my appreciation for the transformative power of creative expression, gaining valuable insights into our nature as creative beings.

Figure 3. Interactive Brainlight

Sources

  1. deCharms, Christopher. “A look inside the brain in real time.” TED, 2008, https://www.ted.com/talks/christopher_decharms_a_look_inside_the_brain_in_real_time?language=en. Accessed 19 May 2023.

  2. Feingold, Ken, et al. “Planetary Re-Enchantment: Human-Animal Entanglements in Victoria Vesna’s Octopus Brainstorming.” Simon Fraser University, https://www.sfu.ca/cmajournal/issues/issue-ten--enchantment--disenchantment--reenchantment/cristina-albu.html?fbclid=IwAR1twyrqbeKqNrJSUXSihLVGvX_D9ARndxDv3USnw2pTENE_iXHJtIo8v54. Accessed 19 May 2023.

  3. Frazzetto, Giovanni, and Suzanne Anker. "Neuroculture." Nature Reviews Neuroscience 10.11 (2009): 815-821.

  4. ​​Gardner, Howard, and E. Gardner. Art, mind, and brain: A cognitive approach to creativity. Basic Books, 2008.

  5. Jung, Carl Gustav. "The spiritual problem of modern man." Collected works 10 (1928): 74-94.


Images

  1. Feingold, Ken, et al. “Planetary Re-Enchantment: Human-Animal Entanglements in Victoria Vesna’s Octopus Brainstorming.” Simon Fraser University, https://www.sfu.ca/cmajournal/issues/issue-ten--enchantment--disenchantment--reenchantment/cristina-albu.html?fbclid=IwAR1twyrqbeKqNrJSUXSihLVGvX_D9ARndxDv3USnw2pTENE_iXHJtIo8v54. Accessed 19 May 2023.

  2. Samuels, Fionna M. D., and Liz Tormes. “This Gorgeous Neuroscience-Inspired Art Will Bring Some Joy to Your Day.” Shenova Fashion, 13 February 2018, https://shenovafashion.com/blogs/blog/neuroscience-art-gallery. Accessed 19 May 2023.

  3. Weissman, Tamily. Brainbow. Cell Press, https://www.cell.com/pictureshow/brainbow

Comments

  1. Audrey LeMay 21, 2023 at 8:20 PM

    Hi Kristie, I love the artwork you included in your blog post this week! I agree with your perspective that we can delve into our emotions and connect with something greater through art. When I personally see art that delves deeper into the human psyche, I truly believe that these artists have gone beyond conventional artistic expression.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Week 1: Two Cultures

Image
     In “Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution,” Snow argued that science and technology are critical to addressing many of the world's pressing problems, but they cannot be fully understood or effectively utilized without an in-depth understanding of the cultural, historical, and ethical contexts in which they arise. He argued that the humanities could provide this broader perspective while the sciences offer various methods for investigating and solving problems. Figure 1.  The Divide Between Art and Science      Congruently, in "Toward a Third Culture: Being in Between," Vesna Victoria argued that a third culture is emerging, seeking to bridge the gap between the humanities and the sciences. She contended that this third culture is not simply an integration of the two but rather a new way of thinking that incorporates both perspectives in a more holistic way. Figure 2: UCLA Campus      The difference between the humanities...
Read more

Week 3: Robotics & Art

Image
"The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" focuses on the impact of mechanical reproduction on art. Walter asserts that mechanical reproduction, which allows for the mass production and dissemination of art, has fundamentally changed the way people experience art. He argues that the unique and authentic quality of a work of art, such as through printing or photography, is lost in mechanical reproduction. In addition, he notes that the rise of mechanical reproduction has political implications, as it democratizes access to art and challenges the authority of the traditional art world.  Figure 1. Industrialization This perspective reminds me of the theme of "The Nightingale" by Hans Christian Andersen, a fairytale allegory about the impact of industrialization on nature and art. Essentially, the story is about an emperor who becomes enamored with the singing of a nightingale. However, the emperor receives a mechanical nightingale, believing it to be an im...
Read more