Semir Zeki, Professor of Neuroesthetics at University College, London, was in Hyderabad to speak about a deep connection between the beauty as perceived by a human brain and the truth about universe and evolution.
Says Semir, “The response of the brain to process notions of beauty in art works may not be the same in all individuals. Just because a piece of work is experienced as beautiful by one person, it may not be universally acceptable as good or bad art. In the sphere of ‘visual treat’ through artworks, studies through MRI images of brains have shown that when people look at something they find beautiful; a portion in the front part of the brain called the medial orbito-frontal cortex lights up. There is increased blood flow in this area which is associated with pleasure and reward. Anything found aesthetically displeasing gives a different response to a different part of the brain.”
“Artists may not respond in a certain way to make their creations, if they know about such generalised ‘response parameters’ of the brain to any particular type of art. Art is not created for fulfilling the rewards of the pleasure centers. But one thing is very important in the evolution of mankind. Historians need to understand that all humans, irrespective of their color or place of origin; have been bestowed with the same brain.” concludes Semir.
The writer is a musician, creator of the ‘Jaywant Guitar’ and a freelance photographer
