Unit 7: Neuroscience + Art

Neuroscience is one of the most intriguing topics of study since, as is commonly described, it comprises the mind attempting to understand itself. Since art is conceived and created from the mind itself, it stands to reason that the two fields would complement and enhance each other with such harmony.

Drawing of cerebellum cells by Ramon y Cajal

Neuroscientist Santiago Ramon y Cajal epitomizes the union of these two worlds. His studies exploring neuroanatomy contributed significantly to our understanding of the structure of the brain at a microscopic level, earning him the Nobel Prize (Vesna). However, art also played a large role in the work he was able to produce. His description of neurons as the “butterflies of the mind,” and view of himself as an entomologist (Vesna) illustrates the way he perceives himself as a scientist creating art, or equally, an artist studying science. Indeed, his images of neurons achieve not only scientific clarity, but also serve as artistic creations that expand our ability to visualize and perceive the mind. 

fMRI image of brain in action

The advancements and technology of today’s modern world allow this interface between neuroscientist and artist to attain even greater reach and potential. For instance, inventor Christopher deCharms utilizes fMRI scans to visualize brain activity in real time (deCharms), enabling us to visualize the abstract concept of thought and thereby allowing for new insights into what it means to think. Professor Michael Cohen pursues a similar purpose with a twist, utilizing special inverting goggles to explore the effects of distorted perception (Cohen).

Indeed, the connections between neuroscience, the study of the mind, and art, the product of the mind, tie the two fields and their success together. As D.T. Max observes, “writers and musicians lead the way to new theories with inspiration, while scientists mop up with hard data” (Max 711). The creativity and lack of boundaries defining art allow for full exploration of the mind’s elements and capabilities. And in a similar way, understanding the way the brain works enables us to apply it and express its holdings to their full potential. Writer John Lehrer captures the mutual duality of this relationship, expressing “science needs art to frame the mystery, but art needs science so that not everything is a mystery” (Frazzetto and Anker 820). 

"Brainbow" image of neurons, illustrating the potential of neuroscience combined with art

References

Cohen, Mark S. “Neuroscience.” YouTube, uploaded by Victoria Vesna, 12 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDq8uTROeXU.

deCharms, Christopher. “A look inside the brain in real time.” TED, Feb 2008, https://www.ted.com/talks/christopher_decharms_scans_the_brain_in_real_time?language=en.

Frazzetto, Giovanni and Anker, Suzanne. “Neuroculture.” Nat Rev Neuroscience, vol. 10, no. 11, 2009, pp. 815-821.

Max, D.T. “Swann’s Hypothesis.” The New York Times, 4 Nov 2007, pp. 711.

Moore, Pamela. “TED deCharms.” Newton Street, https://newtonstreet.org/ted-christopher-decharms/. Accessed 20 May 2018.

Ramon y Cajal, Santiago. “Trabajos Escogidos.” Estructura de los centros nerviosos de las aves. 1905, Madrid. Harvard Medical School, https://hms.harvard.edu/news/butterflies-soul. Accessed 20 May 2018.

Vesna, Victoria. “Consciousness/Memory.” YouTube, uploaded by uconlineprogram, 17 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzXjNbKDkYI.

Weissman, Tamily. “Brainbow.” Cell, https://www.cell.com/pictureshow/brainbow. Accessed 20 May 2018.