Neuroscience + Art

Neuro Science + Art

Neuroscience is an exploding field and artists have always been intrigued by the mind + body, as well as a stream of consciousness. Consciousness, defined by Professor Vesna is “A sense of one’s personal or collective identity, including the attitudes, beliefs, and sensitivities … special awareness or sensitivity”. I believe that we humans are just now truly discovering our brain, something that has already been in place for thousands of years. Franz Joseph Gall was one of the first few to attempt to help figure out and explain different areas of the brain to the public, coining his own term phrenology. As well as the founder of neuro anatomy, Santiago Ramon y Cajal.

Here is a painting of Ramon y Cajal.

From the New York times article, that references CP Snow’s assertion that there are two cultures of artists and scientists, where artists did not care about science. As well as scientists paid no attention to art. However, within neuroscience and art scientists and artists are consistently crossing these boarders.

Here is an art piece, where at first glance it is a tree. But the trunk is clearly the base of the brain. Also, instead of leaves, there are thinner to represent veins in the brain. Scientists and artists have influenced each other as there are artists who paint and create pieces based off anatomy. As well as doctors and nurses using music and other forms of art to help patients. Either way, both neuroscience and art both can help benefit those in need + doctors/ artists.

Picture as to why music therapy helps autistic children

Works Cited:

Max, D.T "Proust was a Neuroscientist". New York Times. 11 May 2016. <http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/books/review/Max-t.html?_r=0>

Noe, Alva. “Art and the Limits of Neuroscience.”Opinionator. The New York Times, 11 2011. Web. 11 May 2016.

Vesna, Victoria. “Conscious / Memory (Part 1).” Lecture. 11 May 2016. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DLVQIwOn7o8>

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. “Conscious / Memory (Part 2).” 11 May 2016. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Xlg5wXHWZNI>
Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. “Conscious / Memory (Part 3).” 11 May 2016. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E5EX75xoBJ0>