Embodying Art: How We See, Think, Feel, and Create

Embodying Art challenges the traditional understanding of the relationship between neuroscience and aesthetics by arguing that the brain is not the sole site of aesthetic appreciation. Chiara Cappelletto examines neuroscientific and philosophical scholarship, artworks, and art criticism to explore the epistemological premises and theoretical consequences of neuroaesthetics reductionism. She argues that the brain is embodied and embedded in affective, cultural, and historical milieus and proposes a new understanding of the human brain as a living artifact.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In recent years, neuroscientists have embarked on ambitious endeavors to unravel the intricate workings of artistic processes and the act of spectatorship through the utilization of brain imaging techniques. However, the question remains: can brain science truly penetrate the enigmatic realm of art? Is the brain, in fact, the epicenter of aesthetic appreciation?

Embodying Art challenges the conventional understanding of the relationship between neuroscience and aesthetics by shifting the focus of inquiry from the brain itself to the personal experiences we encounter in the world. Chiara Cappelletto, in this thought-provoking book, conducts a comprehensive exploration of neuroscientific and philosophical scholarship, alongside artworks and art criticism. Through meticulous close readings, she identifies the epistemological premises and theoretical implications of these diverse sources.

Cappelletto critically examines neuroaesthetic reductionism, a perspective that posits a mind/body divide and suggests that the brain is solely responsible for aesthetic experiences. She challenges this notion by arguing that the brain is not an isolated entity but rather is deeply intertwined with affective, cultural, and historical contexts. Cappelletto explores the ways in which neuroaesthetics has constructed its field of study, delving into the utilization of digital renderings and scientific data to portray the brain as a cultural and visual object.

By tracing the intertwined histories of brain science and aesthetic theory, Embodying Art presents a remarkably original and profound philosophical account of the human brain as a living artifact. Cappelletto invites us to reimagine our understanding of the brain as a complex system that interacts with the world, rather than as a mere repository of aesthetic experiences. Through her insightful analysis, she offers a fresh perspective on the human mind and its relationship to art, challenging us to reconsider our assumptions and broaden our horizons of inquiry.

In conclusion, Embodying Art is a groundbreaking work that invites us to reexamine the boundaries between neuroscience and aesthetics. By challenging the notion of a mind/body divide and advocating for a more holistic understanding of the brain's role in artistic processes, Cappelletto provides a valuable contribution to the field. This book encourages us to embrace the complexity of the human brain and its relationship to the world, paving the way for a deeper appreciation of the arts and the human experience.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231195867