Research- Art and consciousness
Art and Consciousness
Psychology within the pursuit of using art to increase consciousness.
A new thread of activism.
While researching modern psychology I have begun to unearth a section that is much less researched than many other aspects. This is the effect, both temporary and lasting, of art upon an individual. The research and articles I have found, however, are very useful in building my own practice concept. The concept that societal behaviours and unconscious mindsets can be influenced through art work and socially engaging art work. While investigating already present work I found an article regarding art and consciousness. Within this article, the impact of classic art was praised for the impact it may have upon individuals. Regarding that 'Contemplation, observing, and taking in beauty all stimulate pleasure centers within the brain while increasing blood flow by up to 10% in the medial orbitofrontal cortex. This can lead to an elevated state of consciousness, well being, and better emotional health.'(http://upliftconnect.com/art-changes-consciousness/) Supporting research was loosely referenced and after reading such an article I was spurred on to look into more psychological work concerning art. I found that recent research on visual art has focused on its psychological and physiological effects, mostly in clinical samples. It has shown that visual art interventions have stabilizing effects on the individual by reducing distress, increasing self-reflection and self-awareness, altering behaviour and thinking patterns, and also by normalizing heart rate, blood pressure, or even cortisol levels [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. (full references on link) The extent to which visual art may also affect the functional neurotically of the healthy human brain remains an open question. (http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0101035#pone.0101035-Stuckey1)
This is due to the fact that, although socially engaging work may be more immediately impacting and outwardly creative. Possibly, beautiful, more classic works also have a position within the activism scene to influence societies mindsets more directly. The colours chosen and visual aesthetics of a work may be a useful tool to link psychological change with positive impact for issues such as climate change. The combination of a socially engaged piece with more classic work such as paintings may be a more effective route of activism due to my desire to understand and influence the unconscious mindsets of individuals. Due to mirror neurons firing in the viewer much as they did within the artist as the creation took place, 'embodied cognition' takes place. This emotive feeling experienced by the viewer strikes an inspiration. This mantra is what my work is originally based upon, therefore the aesthetics of such was vital. The idea then progressed to the viewer being inspired to move along within the work to the accompanying essay/ poem. If this concept was playing out within a gallery then the viewer could ideally progress toward a socially engaging piece. However, the use of the artwork sparking positive cognition would have psychologically prepared the viewer to be more open and positive about the more controversial, activism style work.
'The Effect of Color on Conscious and Unconscious Cognition Color is an important part of human perception. Many everyday objects have been designed to convey a message through color. The way that colors effects psychological processing has not been fully explained. In particular, past studies on the effect of color on cognitive tasks have presented contradicting results (Mehta & Zhu, 2009). These studies have often only assessed two of the three primary colors at a time and still had contradicting results. Most studies focus on comparing red to either blue or green. The results from the studies have been a mix with some of the studies showing red to enhance cognitive task performance over blue or green and the other studies showing the opposite affect. ' (http://repository.cmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1079&context=hsshonors) The vast investigation into colour and perception is often funded by advertisement company with strong vested interest for financial gain. This piece of research is one of the few I found that did not focus explicitly or implicitly on the peripheral or direct colour depend marketing. This research could possibly benefit my own work when analysis the colours used and the way in which these will effect the viewer, allowing me to access the subconscious and alter pre-conceived concepts. 'The sixth premise is that the meaning and effects of color are based on context. In different contexts a color can have different associations'. The context therefore is another aspect of my work that must be considered carefully, although personal associations may still remain, the overall feel of the works setting would be vital. Possibly leading to alteration of smell or temperature.
'The Effect of Color on Conscious and Unconscious Cognition Color is an important part of human perception. Many everyday objects have been designed to convey a message through color. The way that colors effects psychological processing has not been fully explained. In particular, past studies on the effect of color on cognitive tasks have presented contradicting results (Mehta & Zhu, 2009). These studies have often only assessed two of the three primary colors at a time and still had contradicting results. Most studies focus on comparing red to either blue or green. The results from the studies have been a mix with some of the studies showing red to enhance cognitive task performance over blue or green and the other studies showing the opposite affect. ' (http://repository.cmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1079&context=hsshonors) The vast investigation into colour and perception is often funded by advertisement company with strong vested interest for financial gain. This piece of research is one of the few I found that did not focus explicitly or implicitly on the peripheral or direct colour depend marketing. This research could possibly benefit my own work when analysis the colours used and the way in which these will effect the viewer, allowing me to access the subconscious and alter pre-conceived concepts. 'The sixth premise is that the meaning and effects of color are based on context. In different contexts a color can have different associations'. The context therefore is another aspect of my work that must be considered carefully, although personal associations may still remain, the overall feel of the works setting would be vital. Possibly leading to alteration of smell or temperature.
' While in this processing style, each solution that could change the situation would be carefully assessed and less creative thinking would be used because untested solutions could act to make the current situation worse. On the other hand, positive states signal a safe environment and will convey a more risky processing style. It is thought that internal knowledge structures desire to be enriched with new information and this can lead to more creative thinking.' If the initial message of the piece/pieces of art art not conveyed then hopefully the works can positively influence the viewer to stretch more creative thinking to aspects of their own lives.
'There are many signals, both implicit and explicit, that inform an individual about their current situation and can then modify the individual’s thought and behaviors. It has been
shown that implicit signals also influence an individual’s thinking through cognitive
tuning processes. This shows that color, which has been shown to evoke approach and
avoidance motivations, can have the same effect on cognitive task performance as moods
and emotions.' This information explains more clearly how I aim to alter and influence cognition through the use of colour initially and later poetry. Thus leading hopefully to a person more likely to engage with the end piece be that an essay or performance piece.
Links between this concept and surrealism can be made, much like in my Ba1a final essay. The investigation and subject matter of consciousness is vital within the surrealist movement, accompanying this ideology is many pieces of work that could be deemed interesting is not attractive by the viewer. Much as the psychological research suggests, the visual qualities of work are vital when evaluating the lasting cognitive impact.
‘ Surrealism, which is an instrument of knowledge, and therefore an instrument of conquest as well as of defence, strives to bring to light man’s profound consciousness. Surrealism strives to demonstrate that thought is common to all, it strives to reduce the differences between men, and, with this end in view, it refuses to serve an absurd order based upon inequality, deceit and cowardice.’
Paul Eluard. ‘Poetic Evidence’, 1936
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