The brain is perhaps the
most important organ in the human body. It is what controls our body as well as
our conscious and unconscious thoughts. It is a complex structure that we are
still trying to understand and I believe art is playing an important role of
expanding this understanding. For example, artist Megan Mcglynn is using
sculpture to help explore and visualize how humans organize their thoughts and
functions in their brains. Her artistic piece Mirror Neurons was created with the idea that it is the mirror
neurons in the brain that has allowed humans to transfer knowledge through
imitation but with each transfer there are alternations and connections made.
Mirror Neurons by Megan Mcglynn
In addition, artist Greg Dunn
has created artistic microetchings of the neural landscape of the brain. Since
the brain is so complex and detailed, 2D images of it can be confusing and
overwhelming. However, the microetching technique allows the observer to see
each layer of the landscape of the brain individually as the light on the
microetching changes.
An Introduction to Microetching
Finally, the artist Audrius Plioplys creates
art to investigate the brain and its relation to thinking and consciousness. In
his artwork Dreamscapes, he uses
neuronal profiles along with his own MRI Scans to create beautiful lights that
change color. His intent is to explore the origins of the brain relating to
dreaming and creativity.
Dreamscapes by Audrius Plioplys
What
all these artists have in common is using their art to try to help us gain a
better understanding of neuroscience. By creating visual interpretations of the
brain, artists can help bring a new perspective of how the brain works and how it gives
each person their unique consciousness and creativity.
References
Dunn, Greg A. "Microetchings." Greg Dunn Design. 2015. Web. 17 May 2015. <http://www.gregadunn.com/category/microetchings/>.
"Gallery + Interview: Megan McGlynn." Interview by Noah Hutton. The Beautiful Brain. 9 Sept. 2013. Web. 17 May 2015. <http://thebeautifulbrain.com/2013/09/megan-mcglynn/>.
"Greg Dunn: Gallery + Interview." Interview by Noah Hutton. The Beautiful Brain. 9 Nov. 2011. Web. 17 May 2015. <http://thebeautifulbrain.com/2011/11/interview-gallery-greg-dunn/>.
"Http://www.neurorexia.com/2014/11/18/sfn14-art-of-neuroscience-with-megan-mcglynn/." Interview by Shelly Fan. Neurorexia. 18 Nov. 2014. Web. 17 May 2015. <http://www.neurorexia.com/2014/11/18/sfn14-art-of-neuroscience-with-megan-mcglynn/>.
Introduction to Microetching. Dir. Greg Dunn. Greg A Dunn Design. YouTube, 21 Mar. 2014. Web. 17 May 2015.
Mcglynn, Megan. Mirror Neurons. Digital image. M. Mcglynn. 2013. Web. 17 May 2015. <http://static1.squarespace.com/static/514a7bb9e4b0896b363590b1/546193aee4b0edd3bdd9eb0b/546193cce4b0ccac6b5c2cfb/1415684371664/Mirror_1.jpg?format=1000w>.
Plioplys, Audrius V. "Artistic Explorations of Thought." AUDRIUS V. PLIOPLYS MD. 2015. Web. 17 May 2015. <http://www.plioplys.com/dreamscapes.php>.
Plioplys, Audrius V. Dreamscapes 1. Digital image. Audrius V. Plioplys. 2015. Web. 17 May 2015. <http://www.plioplys.com/Dreamscapes-1-624.jpg>.
Hello Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the video about microetching. The technique used there is fascinating. In any case, I loved your first example concerning mirror neurons. The sculpture is great because it really does reflect the scientific principle of mirror neurons. These neurons are hypothesized to allow us to mimic things that we do not really understand. This is what allows us to learn language and other complex tasks when we are infants. We couldn't possibly process all the outside data if we did not have the ability to mimic. That being said, motor neurons allow us to internalize, or learn, an action as well. It wouldn't do us any good to learn to speak once, so our brain must physically react to the mirror neuron activity. In doing so, the mirror neuron is fundamentally altered, preventing it from being used for the same purpose. The sculpture really captures that idea of irreparable change, which is highlighted by the sharp and jagged lines. I wonder how the use of these neurons has influenced artists abilities as well? We all learn to draw from someone else, so it would be great to see a project that somehow captures the ways we use the neurons to learn.
Gabriel Monti
UID 504006034
I really liked the way you clearly connected understanding neuroscience to the use of art. These artists clearly have to have a good understanding of neuroscience in order to create these pieces so it shows how artists have to use science in their work as well. Really great post!
ReplyDeleteYour examples of artists and microteching were extremely interesting portrayals of neuroscience and art. I liked that you explained it thoroughly and expanded upon it. The Dreamscape example is one I've never heard about but one I want to learn more about. When I was younger I was always fascinated with how the brain works, so seeing the brain tranform to art is something that puts a concept that we can't normally see, into tangible art.
ReplyDelete