Week 7
       Neuroscience and art have a very unique relationship. The brain itself, much like the rest of human anatomy is like a work of art to scientists while artists could only create art with the works of the brain [1]. Thus, art could be said to be governed by the laws of brain. It is the brains that see the art and it is the brains that make the art. Despite such close relations, the concept of neuroscience is relatively new. Due to its complex nature, much of the information regarding the brain has evolved over the last century owing to the innovation in the fields of science and technology. Ramon y Cajal in particular, was considered to be the founder of neuroanatomy and was recognized to be one of the pioneers exploring neuron theory. [2]

       One concept I found particularly interesting is the concept of lines. In reality, no object nor living being is outlined. However, if the surroundings is transferred onto paper as a piece of art work with defined outlined drawings, humans are likely to recognize and identify the objects and people in it [3]. According to scientific studies, such capabilities of identification is in fact the same neural processes that allows us to recognize the edges of objects we observe in the real world [4]. An example of an infamous artwork that emphasizes the way our visual system perceives drawings is Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. The portrait is drawn so that when the audience's eyes shift focus, the women's expression appears to change. For example, Mona Lisa would appear to smile less when staring at her mouth compared to when staring straight into her eyes [5]. Utilizing the way human's peripheral visual system function, artists are thus able to produce art that are perceived completely differently depending on the angle.  

     As the field of sciences and technology continue to progress and advance, I believe that these innovations would bring out different dimensions of art and allow the larger society to visualize art objectively.

Sources:

[1]"Art and the Limits of Neuroscience." Opinionator Art and the Limits of Neuroscience Comments. N.p., 04 Dec. 2011. Web. 15 May 2015. <http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/04/art-and-the-limits-of-neuroscience/?_r=0>.

[2]Vesna, Victoria. “Lecture.” Week 7: Neuroscience + Art. 2015. Web. 15 May 2015

[3] "The Neuroscience Of Art: How The Human Brain Engages With, Responds To, And Perceives Art." FEELguide. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 May 2015. <http://www.feelguide.com/2012/09/17/the-neuroscience-of-art-how-the-human-brain-engages-with-responds-to-and-perceives-art/>.

[4]"What the Brain Draws From: Art and Neuroscience - CNN.com." CNN. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 16 May 2015. <http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/15/health/art-brain-mind/index.html?hpt=hp_c1>.

[5]"Mona Lisa's Smile." - Science Updates. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2015. <http://sciencenetlinks.com/science-news/science-updates/mona-lisas-smile/>.