Brain on the 3D Visual Art through Virtual Reality; Introducing Neuro-Art in a Case Investigation

TL;DR

This study explores how virtual reality and EEG can reveal brain activity differences when a professional artist engages with 2D versus 3D visual art, advancing neuroaesthetic research.

Contribution

It introduces Neuro-Art as a novel approach to study neural mechanisms of visual art creation using VR and EEG in a case investigation.

Findings

Distinct cortical neurodynamics observed between 2D and 3D painting.

Involvement of multiple large-scale brain networks during creative tasks.

Potential for neuromodulation to enhance artistic capacity.

Abstract

The reciprocal impact of applied neuroscience and cognitive studies on humanities has been extensive and growing over the past 30 years of research. Studies on neuroaesthetics have provided novel insights in visual arts, music as well as abstract and dramatic art. Neuro-Art is an experimental concept in applied neuroscience where scientists can study the mechanistic pathways involved for instance in visual art through which creativity and artistic capacity might receive further empowerment. Based on the existing evidence, at least 3 large-scale brain networks are involved simultaneously when one is submitted to a creativity-related task. The question whether the key brain regions involved in visual art creativity can be identified and receive neuromodulation to get empowered prompted us to perform the present case investigation. Virtual reality and functional quantitative electroencephalography upon 2- vs 3-dimentional painting were employed to study cortical neurodynamics in a professional painting artist.