Week 7 Blog - Neuroscience + Art
The understanding of consciousness and unconsciousness, as well as the study of human brains, are relatively recent. But even though this is an unusual idea for us to investigate, learning about the advancements in neuroscience and art is extremely interesting. We need to think about whether machines are extending our consciousness or if we are becoming the slaves of machines because of how quickly their research is growing (Vesna 0:20).
Franz Joseph Gall's phrenology practice, which divided the brain into regions based on feeling bumps on a person's head, is credited with the first studies of the brain (Vesna 3:51). Gall's research revealed that the brain is made up of neurons and nerve cells that serve as signals to an individual about what to do and how to feel. The relationship between criminal and violent conduct and dysfunctional firing in the pre-frontal cortex, melancholy and sadness and serotonin imbalance, and the release of endorphins and the experience of pleasure have all been explained by our understanding of the neurological system (Frazzetto). Not only does this clarify what goes on inside our brains, but it also helps us to realize that our brains can collaborate with other brains (Albu). In the Octopus Brainstorming experiment, Mark S. Cohen and Victoria Vesna illustrated this by displaying two people's brain-to-brain communication through the colors that flashed on the octopus crowns. This goes to show the true extent of our brains' ability.
My understanding of neurobiology and art has been greatly enhanced by Lecture 1 and the Brainbow information. The Brainbow was a technique that used color and art to help distinguish between different types of neurons. With the use of this technique, it is simple to show how intricately connected our brains are to our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Even while we often believe that the reason we act or feel the way we do is just that, there is actually a lot more going on in our brains that influences how we act and feel.
Lecture 2's discussion on dreaming and the unconsciousness also had an impact on how I understood this week's subject. 99% of our dreams are forgotten, according to Professor Vesna (Vesna 0:10). I frequently ask myself why I dream about the things that I do and why, when I wake up the next morning, I usually forget the most of my dreams. We know from brain research that dreaming is characterized by a first-person viewpoint, a state of unconsciousness, content that involves other people interacting with the dreamer, intense emotions, and the incorporation of elements from waking life. (Suni). Even when we are asleep, the brain simply never turns off, and I find that to be interesting.
Resources:
Albu, Cristina. “Planetary Re-Enchantment: Human-Animal Entanglements in Victoria Vesna’s Octopus Brainstorming.” CMA Journal - Simon Fraser University, www.sfu.ca/cmajournal/issues/issue-ten--enchantment--disenchantment--reenchantment/cristina-albu.html?fbclid=IwAR1twyrqbeKqNrJSUXSihLVGvX_D9ARndxDv3USnw2pTENE_iXHJtIo8v54. Accessed 14 May 2024.
Frazzetto, Giovanni, and Suzanne Anker. “Neuroculture.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience, vol. 10, no. 11, 2009, pp. 815–821, https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2736.
Purtill, James. Do Dreams Reflect Reality? Scientists Created an AI to Find Out, ABC, 6 Sept. 2020, https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR4_bVvmqGym160GF8p6TPbS8pfWDb-gGn9ekMJMfbaZqHNhc7EHIv8dfW3yhr771Fa9FzYKbnUAXQ&usqp=CAU&ec=48665701. Accessed 14 May 2024.
Rhoads, Dan. “Fluorescent Neurons Over the Brainbow .” BiteSize Bio, 2 Nov. 2007, https://bitesizebio.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/livet.png. Accessed 14 May 2024.
Suni, Eric. “Dreams: Why We Dream & How They Affect Sleep.” Sleep Foundation, 23 Mar. 2023, www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams#:~:text=Dreams%20are%20images%2C%20thoughts%2C%20or,dream%20in%20black%20and%20white.
Vesna, Victoria. “Lecture 1: Consciousness / Memory”.
Vesna, Victoria. “Lecture 2: Unconscious Mind / Dreams”.
Vesna, Victoria. “Mind Intro” YouTube, 26 Mar. 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF0Qt7L2-kM.
Waltsak, Paul. “Physiognomic/Phrenologic Head.” The History of Neuroscience , 12 Dec. 2012, https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8235476095_67da3699a6.jpg. Accessed 14 May 2024.
Hi Cody! I really enjoyed reading your blog and think you mention some very interesting points regarding the connection between neuroscience and art. It is fascinating that the study of human brains and the understanding of consciousness is only a recent development. Brainbows are such a fascinating connection between neuroscience and art. Using colors to represent different neurons creatively demonstrates the brain’s complexity. It is crazy to believe that we forget 99% of our dreams. Overall, your post effectively explores the intriguing connection between neuroscience and art.
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