Week 7: Neuroscience + Art

Mental imaging is important for any artist

The ability to mentally visualize is one of our brain’s most important functions. Humans all have the ability to mentally represent things they’ve interacted with in the world before, or even create entirely unique mental representations of nonexistent things. This brain function, one that is readily researched in the field of neuroscience, represents the source of art. While our bodies are ultimately allow us to physically produce art (ie. paint, or play an instrument), our minds our where all art originates. To this end, neuroscience and art share a close relationship. As stated by Frazzetto and Anker in their Neuroculture article: “Certainly, the circulation of concepts and theories about brain function and the mind in the public domain and their representation in artistic creations is not a recent phenomenon.” (Frazzetto & Anker, 2009). Given that the brain is a principle tool for any artist, neuroscience has fueled a deeper understanding of the artistic process, and its underlying mechanisms. 

Mind, body, and spirit

The separation of mind and body is a particularly fascinating idea that has fueled countless artistic creations. The separation from reality and what can happen within the mind is another important source of artistic creativity. As Jung puts it in his paper: “The upheaval of our world and the upheaval of our consciousness are one and the same.” (Jung, 2014). This statement highlights the fact that in fact, our “reality” is dictated by our perception and our minds. So ultimately, even though it may feel as though things happening inside our minds may not reflect reality, our mental experience IS our reality.

The left right brain stereotype is a fallacy

I found Neuroaesthetics to be a particularly intriguing field of research in the material we discussed this week. I think it is important for any artist to consider the brain as their main tool for creation, and understand the mechanisms behind what it is they are doing. Understanding the way in which our thoughts connect, and we learn new skills, on a neurological level, can help make the creative process more seamless. For instance, it is a common misconception that somehow ‘artistic’ people have a stronger ‘right brain’ and. In fact, neuroscience research has shown that both sides of the brain are equally important for any creative process and that right vs left brain comparison is a hoax. Ultimately, I believe being more in touch with what’s going on in your mind makes you more in touch with what it is you’re creating. 

References:

Brooks, Katherine. "Study Says Making Art Is Good For Your Brain, And We Say You Should Listen." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 22 May 2015.

Drake, John M. "Ecology, Cognition and Landscape: Linking Natural and Social Systems . Landscape Series, Volume 11. By Almo Farina . Dordrecht (The Netherlands) and New York: Springer. $129.00. Xi + 169 P.; Ill.; Index. ISBN: 978-90-481-3137-2 (hc); 978-90-481-3138-9 (eb). 2010." The Quarterly Review of Biology 87.1 (2012): 55-56. Web.

Frazzetto, Giovanni, and Suzanne Anker. "Neuroculture." Nature Reviews Neuroscience Nat Rev Neurosci 10.11 (2009): 815-21. Web.

"History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places | Smithsonian." History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places | Smithsonian. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2015.

"The Spiritual Problem of Modern Man." Collected Works of C.G. Jung, Volume 10: Civilization in Transition (2014): n. pag. Web.