Week 7: Neuroscience + Art

This week’s lecture material focused on neuroscience, a field that this current school year I have grown to find extremely interesting. My most recent courses include Behavioral Neuroscience, Decision Making and Brain, and Neuroscience of Social Perception, which have exposed me to a more holistic view of neuroscience, each course building on my previous knowledge. For example, I was already familiar with Gall’s theory of phrenology, however I was intrigued to hear more about how he thought the brain was divided into 27 distinct organs, 19 of which are shared with other animal species (Vesna, Lecture 1). Taking a closer look, I found it entertaining to see some of these supposed organs were supposed to control religion, friendship, and self-esteem. I delved deeper into Gall’s theory of phrenology and discovered that other researchers found no link between the shape of a person’s brain and personality traits (Morse, 1997). While Gall’s ideas were foundational and helped other scientists build upon his ideas, they were largely inaccurate.

[Figure 1] Theory of Phrenology

I loved hearing more about the process of Brainbow, as I had previously learned about this topic in my classes, specifically using fluorescent proteins to activate certain neurons. I was excited to see how a neuroscience based topic could be represented and viewed as forms of art. Essentially, this method uses fluorescent proteins to color-code neurons in the brain, making it possible to map neural connections in detail (Bonner, 2007). The vivid colors and intricate patterns serve both scientific purposes and beautiful artwork. This is a great example of the intersection between dimensions as art and neuroscience work together. Art pieces like this are a great way for artists and scientists to collaborate to make amazing discoveries and powerful statements of the intricacies of our neural networks.

[Figure 2] Brainbow Hippocampus

Another intriguing way science and art intersect is through the use of hallucinogenic substances. LSD has the power to dramatically change a person’s perception as well as their cognitive processes, opening a unique pathway between neuroscience and artistic expression (Vesna, Lecture 3). Recent studies have shown that psychedelics like LSD can enhance “openness” and cognitive flexibility, which are noted to be critical components of creativity (Santiago Cortes, 2018). These experiences are shared by both artists and scientists, both mentioning that taking LSD can lead to new perspectives and ideas.

[Figure 3] Your brain on LSD

Works Cited 

Bonner, John. “Brain’s wiring seen in Technicolor. Chemistry World, Royal Society of Chemistry, 21 Oct. 2007, https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/brains-wiring-seen-in-technicolor/3000615.article.

How Psychedelics Can Help Unlock Creativity | Artsy, www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-psychedelics-offer-artists-creative-boost. Accessed 20 May 2024.

 

Morse, Minna Scherlinder. "Facing a Bumpy History." Smithsonian Magazine, Smithsonian Institution, Oct. 1997, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/facing-a-bumpy-history-144497373/.

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture 1: “Consciousness/Memory.”
https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/183769/pages/unit-7-view?module_item_id=6671254.

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture 3: "Neuroscience and Art part 3." https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/183769/pages/unit-7-view?module_item_id=6671254.

Image Citations

[Figure 2] Dunn, Greg. “Brainbow Hippocampus.” GREG DUNN NEURO ART, 20 Apr. 2021, www.gregadunn.com/microetchings/brainbow-hippocampus/.

 
[Figure 3] Griffiths, James. “This Is Your Brain on LSD, Literally.” CNN, Cable News Network, 13 Apr. 2016, www.cnn.com/2016/04/12/health/lsd-brain-imaging/index.html.

[Figure 1] "Neuroscientists Put the Dubious Theory of Phrenology Through Rigorous Testing for the First Time." The Conversation, 8 June 2023. https://theconversation.com/neuroscientists-put-the-dubious-theory-of-phrenology-through-rigorous-testing-for-the-first-time-88291.