Art makes you smart
Research increasingly confirms that for the human brain to function at its best, it needs a balanced approach. Exercise for maximized blood flow to power it, lifelong learning to keep it sharp, and opportunities for all its variant parts to cooperatively flex their “muscles” — the physical, analytical, linguistic, and creative uses of the brain all play a necessary part in intelligence and brain function.
Few contest the necessity of the scientific or technical elements of intelligence-building. Once thought less important, art’s known value is rising steadily. Art in all its forms makes us feel good, but did you know art can change the brain?
A 2014 study on retirees in Germany published in the peer-reviewed Journal Plos One suggests that doing hands-on art, such as painting, weaving, or pottery, has a greater impact than merely appreciating it. Researchers at the University Hospital Erlangen divided adults aged 62 to 70 into two groups: one took an art appreciation course; the other took a painting and drawing class. Before and after the experiment, they conducted brain scans and a test that measures emotional resilience.
The hands-on artists’ test results showed significant improvement, compared to the appreciation group. Their MRIs also showed more “effective interaction” among regions of the brain; in other words, they were thinking better in areas including cognitive process and memory. This type of connectivity decreases as we age.
Conclusion: Art not only can make you smarter, it may actually reverse decay.
Doing art isn’t the only way to benefit from it. Viewing it provides other benefits, suggests another, smaller study presented in September 2014 at the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture. A team of researchers at the University of Utah and Catholic University of America considered whether the internal experience of visiting a museum or looking at pleasing structures resembles meditation. While scanning the brains of a dozen male architects with no previous experience meditating, researchers showed them pictures of buildings such as schools, offices, and houses. Some were bland; others extraordinary, such as cathedrals and examples of experimental architecture. Results were compared to previous neuroscience research on meditation practices.
Not surprisingly, viewing the more artistic architecture was associated with reduced anxiety and a sort of relaxed mind-wandering. They also found that these more “contemplative” photos induced “markedly distinct” brain activity, activating parts of the brain associated with emotional integration, sensory-motor activity, and — interestingly — nonjudgmentality. The researchers said this indicates that while less complete, at least some of the benefits of meditation can be induced by outward methods, or more specifically, viewing art.
Art may also improve physical health.
A 2015 study published in the journal Emotion found that activities which inspire awe, including examining art, nature, or losing oneself in music, may boost the immune system. Scientists at the University of California-Berkeley examined the current emotional and immune states of 200 young adults. They found that those with the healthiest immune systems (and better moods) reported such experiences that day which inspired “awe.”
The study author explained that awe is “associated with curiosity and a desire to explore.” That’s the opposite of the behavioral responses found during inflammation, when people “typically withdraw from others in their environment.” The immune system measurements resembled those present after hitting the gym (without the cardiologic, muscle, or weight benefits of exercise, of course). That suggests a direct influence upon health and life expectancy.
So one way or another, incorporating an artistic element in everyday life is good for mind, body, and soul.
Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who dedicates this column to multi-modal, smart-artist, Elena. Contact Sholeh at Sholeh@cdapress.com.