In a world where innovation is at the heart of corporate concerns, recent advances in neuroscience are revealing a little-known aspect of art. First and foremost, its profound and transformative impact on the human brain, as well as on our health and well-being. The intersection of art and neuroscience thus offers a new perspective on the power of art beyond its aesthetic appreciation. As art moves, inspires and challenges, neuroscience reveals how these experiences influence and transform our brains, our well-being and even our health.
"Art can evoke memories and associations, activating the brain network involved in memory, such as the hippocampus. This stimulation enhances memory and information retention by creating strong emotional associations. "
Excerpts from Artcurhope Endowment Fund, "The transformative impact of art on neuroscience", April 7, 2024.
A complex brain interaction
Scientific studies have shown that interaction with art leads to a remarkable activation of various brain regions. When we are exposed to works of art, not only are emotional areas such as the limbic system stimulated, but also those involved in critical thinking and memory. Neuroscientists have discovered that artistic appreciation engages the prefrontal cortex, essential for planning and thinking, far beyond simple visual recognition.
Functional MRI images show that when subjects look at works of art that move them, there is increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for complex emotional processing and decision-making.
Study excerpts, Journal of Neuroscience, 2018
Brain networks stimulated by art
When we observe or create art, several brain networks are activated. The default mode network, associated with daydreaming and internal reflection, is often activated during engagement with art, enabling deep introspection. Simultaneously, the salience network, which helps determine the importance of external stimuli, enables us to focus our attention on the work and engage in emotional and cognitive reflection.
Art, a vector of emotion and empathy
The intense emotional reactions aroused by art are a gateway to the brain's mechanisms of emotion and empathy. By offering us the opportunity to perceive the world through the perspectives of others, art activates specific brain regions, enhancing our ability to understand and feel the emotions of others. "Exposure to visual art not only increases functional connectivity in the brain but also emotional responses, involving the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex," notes another study in the Journal of Neuroscience. These areas are essential for the development of empathy and understanding of others' emotional states.
Implications for memory and creativity
Art also stimulates the brain network involved in memory, such as the hippocampus, enhancing information retention and the formation of emotionally-charged memories. In addition, exposure to art encourages creativity and divergent thinking, thanks to the activation of brain regions dedicated to these processes. Research shows that "participants who regularly engaged with art exhibited better connectivity in brain regions associated with detailed memory and long-term retention", according to a publication in Nature Neuroscience.
Mental and physical health benefits
Interacting with art can induce a state of deep relaxation, diminishing the activity of brain regions linked to stress. These soothing effects contribute to improved mental health, reducing anxiety and promoting a better overall emotional state. What's more, this relaxation also has positive repercussions on physical health, influencing lower blood pressure, for example. The benefits of art on mental and physical health are now quantifiable. A study conducted by the University of California states that "participants exposed to 45 minutes of artistic activity showed a 75% reduction in stress-related biological markers". This demonstrates that art can be just as beneficial as established stress-reduction practices such as meditation.
Bail Art Projects
Bail Art installs works of art in relaxation areas, offices, gardens and company lobbies for :
- encouraging curiosity
- strengthening the employer brand
- convey CSR commitments
Leading art rental company since 2009, a team of professionals will accompany you:
- rental of works for temporary decoration
- customized projects for permanent decoration: murals and monumental works of art
- exhibitions to liven up your teams
Enhance your workspaces with artworks or photographs.
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