Beauty and the Brain: The Neurobiology and Psychology of Aesthetic Appreciation
A talk by Oshin Vartanian
A curious relationship exists between visual art and our brain. Art impacts brain function, thinking and emotions, and our brain influences our perceptions of beauty, our preferences in art and the meaning and relevance we ascribe to it. It’s a relationship exquisitely affirming our individuality and the uniqueness of how we view and react to art.
Dr. Vartanian examines differences between representational and non-representational art and discusses how “context” influences how we experience and value art. Learn how the brain responds when art created by great masters is presented versus computer-generated art; how the brain responds to authenticated art versus forgeries; and how we respond differently to art seen in and outside museum settings.
The beauty of the brain and in art is ours to know.
Co-Organized By
Photo by Simon Remark.
About the Speaker
Oshin Vartanian is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto. He is the co-Editor of Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts (American Psychological Association).