Università IULM - Neuroesthetics: when art and the brain collide

Main objective: Art and neuroscience are both crucial in the process of interbreeding in the seminal field of neuroesthetics. Art provides a unique window on mental processes and conversely neuroscience expands our understanding of the elusive aspects of aesthetic experience. The workshop aims at gathering the most skilled and innovative researchers in this new field of research. The meeting will allow the consolidation of a growing academic community which is now scattered in several separate departments, also due to the highly interdisciplinary nature of neuroesthetics.
Due to the development of brain imaging techniques as well as neuron recording methods, it is now possible to study some of the most elusive aspects of mental life which are also at the core of art: the subjective aspects of the mental experience, namely conscious perception, free will, emotions. In order to study neuroesthetics, a broad interdisciplinary know-how is necessary. So far, only a fairly small number of researchers has reached the excellence that is required to approach neuroesthetics in a serious and fruitful way. As a result, many scholars are working in separate institutions and do not know each other.
The workshop will provide a platform for advanced interdisciplinary research on neuroesthetics.
One of the workshop’s purposes is to overcome this communication gap: a planning for a future interdisciplinary research in Europe will then be realistic. Due to its history and heritage, Europe is in a unique position to establish itself as the leading area for neuroesthetics, that is to say: it’s time to build a bridge towards new ways of understanding the artistic creation and reception. In the workshop we will examine how literature looks at the psychological phenomenon of awareness.