Week 7: Neuroscience + Art

Because of the interconnections between soma and axons and dendrites in the brain, we are able to perceive and communicate. This week's lecture video brings up the wonders and power of the human mind such that within nanoseconds, we are receiving information, processing it and thinking about it (Vesna). You could say that this system of signals and pathways allow us to function and essentially makes up who we are.

Neuronal dendrites stained green

As Mark Cohen explains in his lecture, scientists have already discovered that various parts of the brain perform different functions and control certain parts of the body (Cohen). This idea, referred to as the study of phrenology has built upon Franz Joseph Gall's original notion that the brain was divided into 27 separate organs, each with a discrete human faculty. Though Gall's idea was not completely accurate, the Motor Homunculus visually represents today's understanding of the anatomical divisions of the human cortex. That is, if the human body were to be built in proportion to its motor significance because of the brain power needed to “motor” them, the hands and mouth would be proportionally bigger as would the parts of the brain controlling them be bigger. A few weeks ago, we discussed how anatomy and medicine are used in artistic media, and the homunculus here can be seen as an appropriate example of art associating neuroscience and anatomy with our everyday human functions and our identity.

Motor Homunculus

In the article, "Neuroculture," Frazzetto and Anker explain how neuroscience partakes in our daily lives and social practices (Frazzetto and Anker, 815). It is the interaction of art and science that transfers neuroscience out of the laboratory and allows the public to become aware of the scientific advances shaping social and cultural values. Just as art was used to explain science in the case of the Homunculus, many areas of knowledge have begun using a neural dimension, or science, to understand the art. Whether it's the neurological phenomena going on in the amygdala during psychological thriller movies or visual illusions causing some activity in the optic center of the brain, there is growing curiosity in why we are the way we are and why we think the way we think. So, there too is a need for neuroscience and art to answer questions and convey new answers about our consciousness and individuality.

Optical Illusion

References:

Frazzetto, Giovanni and Anker, Suzan. “Neuroculture." Nature 10 (2009): 815-821. Web.

Martinez-Conde, Susana and Macknik, Stephen. "The Neuroscience of Illusion." Scientific American. Scientific American, 12 September 2013. Web. 17 May 2015.

"Motor and Sensory Homunculus." Autism Index. n.p., n.d. Web. 17 May 2015.

Ucdesma's Channel. "Neuroscience- Mark Cohen.mov." Youtube. Youtube, 12 May 2012. Web. 17 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDq8uTROeXU>

Uconlineprogram. “Neuroscience-pt1.mov." Youtube. YouTube, 17 May 2012. Web. 17 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzXjNbKDkYI>.

Uconlineprogram. “Neuroscience pt3.” YouTube. YouTube, 16 May Web. 17 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5EX75xoBJ0#t=51>.