week 9

     The neuroscience + art resources changed our perspective on the brain as an organ and a tool for understanding, creativity, and expression. Since art frequently discusses the brain and its limitations, functions, and structures, there is a close connection between the two. Real neural data is used in Greg Dunn's fMRI-inspired artwork to produce complex visuals that make science relatable and tangible. The Neuroculture project by Suzanne Anker suggests that science is not sterile but rather full of poetic potential by obfuscating the distinction between biological forms and beautiful objects. The neuroaesthetics readings made us reevaluate our assumptions by demonstrating how our biology is hardwired to react to art. Because it mimics natural patterns that indicate health and vitality, symmetry is frequently regarded as beautiful. This demonstrates how taste and preference are profoundly biological in nature, in addition to being cultural. From Salvador Dalí's surreal imagery to pop art or tribal art, artists have always experimented with the brain's reactions.    

    The Paul McLean Triune Brain Theory video demonstrated how our perception of art is influenced by various brain regions. While our neocortex enables us to appreciate abstract art and symbolism, our most primitive brain regions react to bold stimuli. This got me to thinking about how different kinds of art create layered experiences by appealing to different areas of our brain. In conclusion, fMRI technology is a form of art in and of itself, transforming intangible brain activity into breathtaking visual patterns. We are reminded by the My Connectome project and other fMRI art installations that the brain is a source of limitless visual inspiration in addition to being a biological entity.


Works Cited

            “(PDF) Art and the Brain.” ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net/publication/233603316_Art_and_the_Brain.

Shen, Guohua, et al. “Deep Image Reconstruction from Human Brain Activity.” PLOS Computational Biology, vol. 15, no. 1, 14 Jan. 2019, p. e1006633, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006633. Accessed 14 June 2020.

“The    Molecular Gaze: Art in the Genetic Age.” Cshlpress.com, 2025, cshlpress.com/default.tpl?cart=1748295354251445060&fromlink=T&linkaction=full&linksortby=oop_title&--eqSKUdatarq=443. Accessed 26 May 2025.

           “What Should We Do with Our Brain?” Fordham University Press, 12 June 2024, www.fordhampress.com/9780823229529/what-should-we-do-with-our-brain/.

Will     Drinker. “Self Reflected - Illuminating the Brain through Art and Science.” YouTube, 16 Feb. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5F7snIJ-is. Accessed 23 May 2025.




https://www.fineprintart.com/images/blog/greg-dunn/Greg_Dunn_Art_2.jpghttps://i.pinimg.com/736x/ee/29/17/ee291725f69742004f0489b5a598fa87.jpghttps://i.pinimg.com/736x/a8/4b/0e/a84b0e8d8c8283f8ef24e583f3944688.jpg







Comments

  1. Emanuele CliniMay 29, 2025 at 2:55 PM

    Using people like Suzanne Anker and Greg Dunn as examples, I truly like how you relate biology to artistic expression. It's fascinating that you brought up how different parts of the brain react to various forms of art, particularly how art may have an emotional and intellectual impact. Well done on the connection between creativity and science!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lauren SteeleJune 1, 2025 at 5:36 PM

    I really liked your post! You explained the connection between art and the brain in a clear and interesting way. The examples you shared, like Greg Dunn’s artwork and the Triune Brain Theory, helped show how different parts of our brain react to different kinds of art. I also thought it was cool how you described fMRI as a kind of art itself. Great job showing how science and creativity can work together!

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