Experiencing Art: In the Brain of the Beholder by Shimamura, Arthur (2013) Hardcover

by Arthur P. Shimamura

How do we appreciate a work of art? Why do we like some artworks but not others? Is there no accounting for taste? Awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship to explore connections between art, mind, and brain, Shimamura considers how we experience art. In a thoughtful and entertaining manner, the book explores how the brain interprets art by engaging our sensations, thoughts, and emotions. It describes interesting findings from psychological and brain sciences as a way to understand our aesthetic response to art.Beauty, disgust, surprise, anger, sadness, horror, and a myriad of other emotions can occur as we experience art. Some artworks may generate such feelings rather quickly, while others depend on thought and knowledge. Our response to art depends largely on what we know--from everyday knowledge about the world, from our cultural backgrounds, and from personal experience. Filled with artworks from many traditions and time points, "Experiencing Art" offers insightful ways of broadening one's approach and appreciation of art.

Genres: Art, Neuroscience, Science, Nonfiction, Art History, Psychology

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[BVC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shimamura scopami.

[Emily Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent look into why we like certain kinds of art and why certain kinds of art are appreciated, from a neuroscience point of view. As someone who has often wondered why Matisse and Picasso are famous artists, I can't say enough about how interesting this book is! Not only does it explain how our brain perceives what we are seeing, it delves into the development of art periods just enough to relate it to perception and emotion. I would love to own a copy, but it's really expensive (understandable, as most of the art he mentions is published in the book). If you can find this book, read it! You will not be disappointed.