Neuroscience and Art

This weeks discussion deals with the integration of neuroscience and art, one of my biggest fascinations. I consider brain functionality very complex and intriguing, but the integration of art makes it all the more beautiful showing that our brain is more than just tissue and synapses.

Brainbow

In lecture, Professor Vesna discusses brainbow, as it is a term to describe a process in which individual neurons can be distinguished from other neurons with fluorescent proteins. The above picture displays brainbow and the beauty of neuron activity with color. Our brain is a complex part of our body and this insight of how the brain works through color is very fascinating and shows that neuroscience is not only medical and scientific but also an art form as well.

LSD Visions

Drugs were also used as visual enhancements or visual alterations to create a world that was more photosensitive and open. However, consequences arose as drugs such as LSD and cocaine became more popular. Much more negative side effects unraveled, showing that art can come at a price if abused.

The Art of Neuroscience: Perception is Based on Your Own Brain

Noe proclaims that it is our brain that allows us to see and interpret art that is around us. Depending on how your brain works, art will be viewed differently by others. Furthermore, Max talks about how our memories of the past are greatly shaped by sense of smell and the mood we are in, which are senses controlled by the brain. Hutton discusses the connections between art and the brain and how one influences the other; specifically, he gives an example how films are like memories created in the brain as it touches on our senses of mood, sight, feel, taste, etc. One thing is clear and it is that our brains are extremely powerful and can create these visions that we can interpret as we please. Whether it be dreams, hallucinations, or natural surrounding, our brain gives us the ability to create an exterior world that is unique to us.

References

Penrose, Roger. "The Third Culture - Chapter 14." The Third Culture - Chapter 14. 1995. Web. 15 May 2016. <https://www.edge.org/documents/ThirdCulture/v-Ch.14.html>. 

Max, D.T. "Swann’s Hypothesis." The New York Times. The New York Times, 03 Nov. 2007. Web. 15 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 Art and the Limits of Neuroscience Comments. The New York Times, 4 Dec. 2011. Web. 15 May 2016. <http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/04/art-and-the-limits-of-neuroscience/>. 

Hutton, Noah. "Art and Neuroscience: A State of the Union." The Creativity Post. The Creativity Post, 10 Oct. 2012. Web. 15 May 2016. <http://www.creativitypost.com/arts/art_and_neuroscience_a_state_of_the_union>. 

 Uconlineprogram. "Neuroscience-pt1.mov." YouTube. YouTube, 17 May 2012. Web. 15 May 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzXjNbKDkYI>.