Week 7: Neuroscience+Art
Medical technologies have profoundly influenced art, offering new mediums and inspiring artists to explore human identity and consciousness in innovative ways. Integrating neuroscience and medical imaging technologies such as fMRI and MRI has been particularly impactful. In the context of neuroculture, Suzanne Anker's artwork, "fMRI Butterfly," exemplifies how medical imaging can transcend scientific boundaries to evoke deeper reflections on perception and consciousness. Anker’s work " provokes reflection on the processes of image production, their meaning and interpretation," showcasing how medical technology can be transformed into artistic exploration (Frazetto and Anker).
Similarly, Carl Jung’s reflections on modernity and the psyche underscore the broader cultural shift towards reflection and self-awareness, facilitated by advancements in psychology and medical science. Jung noted, "The rapid and worldwide growth of a psychological interest over the last two decades shows unmistakably that modern man is turning his attention from outward material things to his inner processes" (Jung). This shift is portrayed in contemporary art, where medical technologies provide both a literal and metaphorical lens through which artists examine and depict the complexities of the human mind. Therefore, medical technologies not only enhance our understanding of the human body but also inspire new artistic expressions that delve into the essence of human experience, bridging the gap between science and art. These technologies enable artists to create works that challenge our perceptions and invite us to reconsider the boundaries of identity, consciousness, and the self.
Jung's words stick out to me as Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind comes up. The movie impacted me in various ways and shows how neuroscience elements being integrated into such an emotional film displays the artistic expression Jung consistently mentions. Additionally, Anker's goal of looking inwards into the brain as a form of reflection within art allows our different interpretations of complexities that revolve around us and our environment. The scene I included depicts this well by using technology to showcase the human emotion being heartbreak.
Michael Gondry's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Hi Heidi,
ReplyDeleteThis blog entry was great, one of my favorite reads this year. The whole point about the movie Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind being like a mix of art and neuroscience and Carl Jung's views of the function of the human psyche was very interesting. And I loved the part where you said that advances in neuroscience allow us to express it in new was artistically. Overall, great post :)