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Dynamics of aesthetic experience are reflected in the default-mode network
Amy M Belfi1, Edward A Vessel2, Aenne Brielmann3
1Department of Psychological Science, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, USA.
Neuroaesthetics reveals the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroaesthetics
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Art and Brain
Background:
- Neuroaesthetics investigates the neural basis of aesthetic experiences.
- Previous research shows static art engages visual, reward, and default-mode networks (DMN).
- The temporal dynamics of these networks during art appreciation remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the temporal dynamics of neural networks during aesthetic experiences with visual art.
- To investigate how viewing duration influences brain activity related to aesthetic appreciation.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to study brain activity.
- Participants viewed visual art for varying durations.
- Neural activity in the default-mode network (DMN) and other regions was analyzed over time.
Main Results:
- Pleasing art increased activity in the DMN, visual, and reward regions within seconds.
- This DMN activity counteracted a duration-dependent suppressive effect.
- For pleasing art, DMN activity returned to baseline time-locked to image offset, unlike non-pleasing art.
Conclusions:
- The DMN's dynamic response tracks a participant's internal state during aesthetic experiences.
- This suggests the DMN differentiates between engaging with art and disengaging into self-referential thought.
- Findings highlight the temporal aspect of aesthetic processing in the brain.
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