Week 7: Neuroscience and Art

Neuroscience is the science that studies the structure or function of the nervous system and brain. The studies of Aristotle, Ramen Cahall, Franz Gall, Cajal have established a foundation of neuron theory and localization of brain functions. Freud and Jung Young’s research further our understanding of dreams, consciousness and unconsciousness. Later down the road, Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary helped us understand the effects of chemicals (i.e. cocaine, LSD) on mental states.

Localization of brain functions:

http://www.mindsmachine.com/summary01.html

Neuroscientific knowledge is not constrained within labs, but its ideas, concepts and images also impact literature, film, mass media and other artworks. Neuroaesthetics uses neuroscience to explain and understand the aesthetic experiences of art and music. The interaction between art and science has raised awareness of social and ethical implications of neuroscientific advancement.

Neuroaesthetics:

http://thevarsity.ca/2010/02/04/explain-my-brain-neuroaesthetics/

The example of neuroaesthetics given in lecture is the Amygdaloids. It is a band formed by scientists who incorporate their insights from researches about mind, brain and mental disorders. In fact, the band name comes from amygdala, a brain region that controls fear emotions.

"Map of Your Mind" -by Amygdaloids:

https://youtu.be/eH_HSj5ysy0

Greg Dunn is a symbolic figure in neuroaesthetics. His painting depicts neurons and brain regions in Asian sumi-e style (in Japan’s Tokugawa period, 1603-1863), as he sees the same beauty in neurons as in traditional forms of the medium (trees, flowers, and animals).

Greg Dunn's work - Synaptogenesis:

http://www.gregadunn.com/gold-leaf-painting-by-greg-dunn/synaptogenesis/

Greg Dunn also invents the microetching techniques, that are handmade lithographs which manipulate light on a microscopic scale to control the reflectivity of metallic surfaces in precise ways. Using this technique, he was able to produce fascinating lithographs that gain inspiration from cortical structures and the shape of hippocampus.

Microetching Techniques:

https://youtu.be/GLt5A29N0zg

Other famous neuroaesthetic practitioner include Audrius V. Plioplys, who has been both a professional artist and a neurologist-neuroscientist for more than 40 years. His artwork is neo-conceptual: a metaphorical investigation of thinking and consciousness. Just as memories transform visual impulses into neuronal signals, Audrius transforms photographic art works into neurologic forms.

Audrius Plioplys' work - burial rites symphony:

http://www.plioplys.com/notable-past-exhibits.php

There are many more great artwork inspired by neuroscience's concept and research. Society for Neuroscience hosts an annual Art of Neuroscience exhibit to showcase the work of artists who create brian- or neurological-inspired pieces. The inspiration from neuroscience never dies out, and would continue its profound impacts on artwork.

Sources:

[1] "Art of Neuroscience Exhibitors-2014." Society for Neuroscience, n.d. Web. 17 May 2015. <http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sfn.org%2Fannual-meeting%2Fneuroscience-2014%2Fat-the-meeting%2Fart-of-neuroscience>.

[2] Audrius V. Plioplys. Artistic Explorations of Thought. Web. 17 May 2015. <http://www.plioplys.com/index.php>

[3] Bear, Mark F., Barry W. Connors, and Michael A. Paradiso, eds. Neuroscience. Vol. 2. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007.

[4] Brattico, Elvira, and Marcus Pearce. "The neuroaesthetics of music."Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts 7.1 (2013): 48.

[5] Cinzia, Di Dio, and Gallese Vittorio. "Neuroaesthetics: a review." Current opinion in neurobiology 19.6 (2009): 682-687.

[6] Dunn, Gregory. Greg A. Dunn Design. Web. 17 May 2015. <http://www.gregadunn.com>

[7] Nalbantian, Suzanne. "Neuroaesthetics: Neuroscientific theory and illustration from the arts." Interdisciplinary Science Reviews 33.4 (2008): 357-368.

[8] Vesna, Victoria. “Conscious / Memory (Part 1).” Lecture. 17 May 2015. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DLVQIwOn7o8>

[9] Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. “Conscious / Memory (Part 2).” 17 May 2015. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Xlg5wXHWZNI>
[10] Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. “Conscious / Memory (Part 3).” 17 May 2015. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E5EX75xoBJ0>

[11] Zola-Morgan, Stuart. "Localization of brain function: The legacy of Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828)." Annual Review of Neuroscience 18.1 (1995): 359-383.