NEURAL NARRATIVES: THE BRAIN'S ROLE IN THE MAKING AND MEANING OF AESTHETIC EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Neural Narratives: The Brain's Role in the Making and Meaning of Aesthetic Experience explores the emerging field of neuroaesthetics through a combination of academic research and personal experience. Neuroaesthetics examines how the brain perceives and processes aesthetic experiences, particularly in relation to visual art. The project begins with a literature review outlining foundational concepts and the intersection between neuroscience and aesthetics. It then introduces the work of 18th-century portraitist Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, whose art provides a case study for examining aesthetic perception. Drawing from personal experiences of viewing Vigée Le Brun's paintings in three different countries, the paper connects scientific research, historical context, and subjective response. This interdisciplinary approach highlights how the brain creates a uniquely rich and emotional response to visual art—one that differs significantly from other forms of sensory processing. By integrating neuroscience, art history, and personal narrative, the thesis argues that neuroaesthetics offers a compelling framework for understanding how and why art evokes meaning. The findings suggest that aesthetic experiences are not only neurologically distinctive but also shaped by personal and cultural context, underscoring the importance of both scientific and humanistic perspectives in exploring the power of art.