Week 7: Neurosci + Art


Studying the brain, mind and memory has always been fascinated me, but prior to this week I didn't realize the connection that is has with art and the influence it has on artists work. The brain has been studied for many centuries and through the discoveries we are able to understand how our minds function. The study of neuroscience has allowed scientists to make major discoveries that benefit our society. I found the lecture very helpful as Professor Vesna explained a lot of detail in depth, which allowed me to understand this topic better. I also researched some of individuals that she mentioned in the lectures, so that I could better understand their contribution and influence in the field of neuroscience and art.



Franz Gall was an important researcher that studied the brain. His research consisted of studying an individual’s intellect and personality through examination of skull shape. This research soon became known as phrenology. Through his study he concluded that mental functions are localized in specific regions of the brain. Gall is an influential researcher and is recognized for being the “first to identify the gray matter of the brain with active tissue (neurons) and the white matter with conducting tissue (ganglia)” (Britannica). His research marked the early/initial study of the brain and influenced further research and studies that led to new discoveries and more in depth explanations. 






MRI Butterfly 

Suzanne Anker is another influential researcher and artist that uses neuroscience as a form of art. She uses the study of the brain as a form of art, as she layers MRI brain scans, butterflies and chromosomes to create a visual illusion. She has the ability to map the outline of a butterfly in each brain scan conducted. Through the use of technology and medical resources, Anker is able to expose the connection between nature and culture. Not only does she discover various aspects of the brain, but she is also integrating art within her studies, that is appealing to viewers. She is highly regarded and her work is displayed and appreciated in many galleries and museums.



This weeks topic reminded me a lot of last weeks topic about biotechnology and art. I was also able to make connections with the technology and art unit. It is interesting how all of these topics are integrated and overlap in many ways. Prior to this lecture I never viewed neuroscience as a form of art. After viewing and researching artist work, like Gall and Anker, I now understand the importance of recognizing new discoveries and brain activity as a form of art.  


Anker, Suzanne. "MRI Butterfly", 2017. suzanneanker.com/artwork/?wppa-album=16&wppa-cover=0&wppa-occur=1, Acccessed 17 May 2017. 

Gameiro, Denise. "Faces of Bioart: Depicting the Psychology of Petri Dishes and Chromosomes with Suzanne Anker", 28 Feb 2016.labiotech.eu/faces-of-bioart-bio-icons-with-suzanne-anker/, Acessed 17 May 2017. 

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. "Franz Joseph Gall". https://www.britannica.com/biography/Franz-Joseph-Gall, Accessed 17 May 2017.

Vesna, Victoria. “BioTech+Art.” Desma 9: Neurosci + Art . Los Angeles, CA. April 9, 2012. Lecture.

Wyhe, John. "The History of Phrenology on the Web", 1999-2011. www.historyofphrenology.org.uk/fjgall.html, Accessed 17 May 2017. 




Comments

  1. UnknownMay 21, 2017 at 10:01 PM

    It's really interesting how neurological art displays aspects of nature (trees, butterflies, etc). Most art, it seems, goes back to root of all inspiration - the world all around us. And of course, science is a major part of that so it's actually easy to see the connection between these seemingly different disciplines.

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