Art Appreciation

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I’ve written about meta-analyses before.  In particular, it’s an interesting method to examine medical data from diverse studies. It’s not something new. (It’s been around for almost 1000 years, clearly using the existent statistics.)  The trick is that you need large studies to be linking together, or the results get to be too limited in value.

But, this new study really intrigued me.  Drs. Oshin Vartanian (University of Toronto) and Martin Skov (Copenhagen University) undertook a meta analysis of how and why we appreciate art.  Their article, Neural correlates of viewing paintings: evidence from a quantitative meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data,was just published in Brain and Cognition.

Doodle by Anthony SettiimiThe study intrigued me because I am always surrounded by art.  Right now, I am in my office, with a wonderful painting by Anthony Settimi (who specializes in 2D and 3D art; this piece resembles how I doodle and sketch while in meetings) and a series of paintings by Dorit.  (You already know I have a Dali, a Peter Max, many Agam pieces, among the slew of art that adorns my walls.)

 

The researchers note that many regions of our brain are stimulated by art.  The areas include the vision, pleasure, recognition, and memory centers of the brain.  The 15 studies they examined involved folks ranging in age from 18 to 59 who were presented with art pieces while subjected to MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanning.

Obviously, the visual cortex (the portion of our brains that processes visual data) was involved.  But, the other portions of the brain from the posterior cingulated cortex, the putamen, and the temporal lobe were all harnessed as the art was enjoyed.

Of course, not many of us would ever consider entering into an MRI scanner to enjoy art. Between the cacophony of the device and the claustrophobic enclosures, I doubt my pleasure centers would be excited- as they normally are as I revel in the art that surrounds me.

But, I’m glad others have volunteered to be so studied.   While certain that my brain is more than adequately stimulated by my art, it’s nice having the proof that it’s true.

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6 thoughts on “Art Appreciation”

  1. I remember dating a guy who had no art on the wall. I mean nothing. He had lived in the apartment several years and never bothered to put up anything. And yes he was as dull as his walls….
    Carolina HeartStringshttps://www.adjuvancy.com/wordpress/index.php?social_controller=auth&social_action=authorize&key=facebook&post_id=16313 recently posted..CARROT & POTATO GRILL

  2. A certain type of art seems to stimulate me. But I have to say that, sometimes, it is a miss. As in, a complete miss. I never understood why. I never know what I am going to like, and what I am going to hate. It is always a surprise!
    Muriel recently posted..My Writing Process Blog Tour

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