Art and its impact on the mind: Art, creativity and mental health

List

• Introduction
• The Transformative Power of Art
• The Amazing Power of Art to Improve Lives: From Treating Alzheimer’s to Enhancing Learning
• Art and Neuroscience
• Reducing Stress and Improving Mental Health
• Art and Enhancing Mental Creativity
• Art and Its Effect on Memory
• Art and Social Interactions
• Conclusion

Introduction

We may instinctively feel the power of art and its impact on the mind. However, today, scientists have provided more evidence supporting this idea, thanks in part to a relatively new scientific field called “neuroaesthetics.” This field explores the effects of artistic experiences on the brain.

The new book Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us delves into this research, revealing that the impact of art goes beyond simply enhancing everyday life. Art is now being used as part of therapeutic approaches to help with issues such as dementia and trauma.

On the Universe of Art program, D. Peterschmidt speaks with the authors of this book—Susan Magsamen, Executive Director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University, and Ivy Ross, Vice President of Hardware Product Design at Google. They discuss the findings of neuroaesthetics, the benefits of daily artistic practice, and their favorite art styles.

The Transformative Power of Art

You are familiar with the transformative power of art. When you immerse yourself in music, painting, a film, or a play, you feel something within you has changed. You’ve read a book that was so impactful, you immediately recommended it to a friend. You’ve listened to a song so profound that you played it repeatedly, memorizing every word.

Art creates joy, inspires, deepens understanding, and can even be liberating. While explaining these feelings may not be simple, you’ve always known they are real and tangible.

Now, science is confirming it: art is essential for our survival.

We now know that art, in its countless forms, heals both our minds and bodies. Research has shown that art not only improves individual quality of life but also plays a role in the formation of communities. We’ve also discovered that aesthetic experiences, which shape every moment of our lives, can even alter our fundamental biology.

Advancements in technology have allowed us to study human physiology with unprecedented precision. In this context, an interdisciplinary group of researchers is examining the impact of art and aesthetics on humans. This research has created a new field that is transforming our understanding of the power of art. This area is called “neuroaesthetics” or, more broadly, “neuroart.”

Simply put, art and aesthetics have the power to change us—and, as a result, transform our lives.

Many of us view art merely as a hobby, a way to escape the mundane, or even a luxury. However, art can be a tool for creating profound changes in everyday life. It can aid in addressing serious physical and mental issues, yielding surprising results. Moreover, art and its impact on the mind not only help with learning but also foster personal growth and flourishing.

The Amazing Power of Art to Improve Lives: From Treating Alzheimer’s to Enhancing Learning

In a house in upstate New York, a man with advanced Alzheimer’s recognizes his son for the first time in five years—after listening to a carefully selected list of old songs. In Finland, a young mother speeds up her recovery from postpartum depression by singing to her baby, a method that works even more effectively alongside antidepressant medication. In Virginia, first responders paint to ease the psychological toll of frontline work, and soldiers use mask-making as part of their treatment for PTSD. In Israel, a hospital built based on sensory design principles helps cancer patients recover more quickly.

Around the world, doctors and mental health specialists recommend museum visits to patients. Digital designers, in collaboration with cognitive neuroscience experts, are developing new methods to treat attention disorders and improve brain health. Virtual reality programs are being used to reduce pain. Moreover, as research shows that sensory-rich environments accelerate learning and strengthen memory, schools, workplaces, and public spaces are being redesigned and renovated.

All of these advancements are the result of the growth and development of the science of neuroaesthetics.

Art and Neuroscience

Just as the formal establishment of neuroscience in the late 20th century revolutionized our understanding of the brain, the emergence of the field of neuroart is now providing valuable evidence about the impact of art on the brain—and many discoveries are still on the way. The Spiral Cluster piece by Norman Galinsky, mentioned at the beginning of this introduction, symbolizes the dynamic relationship between art and science. New findings about human biology are becoming part of art-based preventive and health-focused programs. Doctors and insurers, citing growing evidence, have concluded that art not only helps improve patients’ health but also fosters individual growth and flourishing.

Applied arts offer simple, quick, and accessible ways to improve our lives. Today, we are witnessing the rise of microdoses of aesthetics: people are using specific scents to reduce nausea, adjusting lighting to control energy levels, and listening to calming sounds to alleviate anxiety. Just as exercise helps lower cholesterol and increase serotonin levels, spending just 20 minutes designing or humming a melody can have an immediate impact on both physical and mental health. Numerous studies have shown that art and aesthetics have swift physiological effects on our health.

And this is not a change that remains merely theoretical or idealistic.

Rather, it is a real, fundamental, and practical change.

Reducing Stress and Improving Mental Health

Research has shown that painting can reduce stress and anxiety and create a sense of calm. This activity allows the mind to distance itself from daily tensions and provides space for inner expression. Many psychologists use painting as a therapeutic method because individuals can better express their emotions through colors and shapes.

Art is highly effective as a therapeutic method for those who are unable to express their feelings verbally. In many counseling and psychotherapy sessions, art therapy is used as a way to process emotions and gain a better understanding of oneself. This approach can help individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or emotional trauma to manage their feelings in a healthy way.

Art and Enhancing Mental Creativity

Painting challenges the mind to create new ideas without the constraints of daily life. This art form enhances problem-solving abilities, creative thinking, and strengthens imagination. When a person paints, their mind actively engages in visual and imaginative processing, which has a positive impact on cognitive performance.

Art and Its Effect on Memory

Engaging in artistic activities such as painting can enhance memory. Research shows that the visual and motor processing that occurs during painting improves the brain’s neural connections. This process is particularly useful for improving learning and retaining information, helping individuals store their experiences in a visual format.

Art and Social Interactions

Painting can improve social interactions as a group activity. In educational and therapeutic settings, individuals interact with each other through art, which strengthens social skills and boosts self-confidence. Sharing artwork fosters a sense of unity and the exchange of ideas, which in turn enhances social communication.

Conclusion

Painting is more than just a simple hobby; this art form has profound effects on mental health, creativity, and memory. As a tool for stress reduction, creativity enhancement, and memory improvement, painting can enhance quality of life. Through this art, individuals can express their emotions visually and achieve inner peace. If you’re looking for a way to improve your mind and boost creativity, painting can be one of the best choices.

Part of the sources for this article are from the website www.sciencefriday.com.