Neuroscience + Art

 Dreaming while sleeping

As Professor Vesna has mentioned in lecture, the human brain is still a mystery to us. Despite the numerous research on dreams and how the mind works, we have yet to have conclusive fact on why we dream (Webmd). Artists have used this unknown factor as the basis for diverse movies and allows the audience to explore the possibility of the mind. An example is the movie, Inception, a neo-noir science fiction heist film about a thief who steals information by infiltrating the subconscious (IMDB). Dominick and Arthur are extractors of information and they enter a dream world where they can plant an idea in a person’s subconscious. The film writer and director of the movie explore the use of shared dreams and what dreams mean to us. Some neuroscientists believe that dreams reflect subconscious desires and mainly influence people’s decisions and attitudes (American Psychological Association). Inception uses this idea to show how once Dominick and Arthur implant an idea, the person’s decision changes the next day.

The movie, Inception

Additionally, not only in dreams, but also through use of drugs, we are able to see a new world. Professor Vesna has mentioned that Professor Leary advocated for use of psychedelic drugs. Drugs such as LSD allowed users to see imaginary things and explore a new world. Using these effects, artists like Bryan Saunders draws his perception of self under influence, shown below, and convey to the audience what type of drugs introduce new perspective to the user (Sauders). His creations let others understand the effects of drugs without having to experience it. These images are vital in showing how neuroscience and art is connected.

1 Bump of Crystal Meth

Bath Salts

  1.2gm Cocaine

Sources:

Bryan Lewis Saunders - DRUGS, bryanlewissaunders.org/drugs/.

“Facts About Dreaming.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/dreaming-overview#1.

“Inception (2010).” IMDb, IMDb.com, www.imdb.com/title/tt1375666/.

Vesna, V. “Neuroscience pt3.” YouTube, YouTube, 16 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=657&v=E5EX75xoBJ0.

“You Are What You Dream.” Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, www.apa.org/monitor/2009/04/dream.aspx.

Image Sources:

(73), macksby, et al. “WHY DO WE DREAM... - Steemit.” - Steemit, steemit.com/life/@macksby/why-do-we-dream.

Campbell, Andy. “Here's What Bath Salts Feel Like.” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, 24 Oct. 2012, www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/23/bryan-saunders-drugs-self-portraits-bath-salts_n_2005825.html?slideshow=true#gallery/258770/2.

Nolan, Christopher. “Inception.” Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith - Movie Quotes - Rotten Tomatoes, 21 May 2018, www.rottentomatoes.com/m/inception/.