The Psychology of Visual Art

Eye, Brain and Art

By George Mather | Publisher: Cambridge University Press

About the book

What can art tell us about how the brain works? And what can the brain tell us about how we perceive and create art? Humans have created visual art throughout history and its significance has been an endless source of fascination and debate. Visual art is a product of the human brain, but is art so complex and sophisticated that brain function and evolution are not relevant to our understanding? This book explores the links between visual art and the brain by examining a broad range of issues including: the impact of eye and brain disorders on artistic output; the relevance of Darwinian principles to aesthetics; and the constraints imposed by brain processes on the perception of space, motion and colour in art. Arguments and theories are presented in an accessible manner and general principles are illustrated with specific art examples, helping students to apply their knowledge to new artworks.

Editions of The Psychology of Visual Art

Hardcover
ISBN 9781107005983
Paperback
ISBN 9780521184793

Read an Excerpt

What can art tell us about how the brain works? And what can the brain tell us about how we perceive and create art? Humans have created visual art throughout history and its significance has been an endless source of fascination and debate. Visual art is a product of the human brain, but is art so complex and sophisticated that brain function and evolution are not relevant to our understanding? This book explores the links between visual art and the brain by examining a broad range of issues including: the impact of eye and brain disorders on artistic output; the relevance of Darwinian principles to aesthetics; and the constraints imposed by brain processes on the perception of space, motion and colour in art. Arguments and theories are presented in an accessible manner and general principles are illustrated with specific art examples, helping students to apply their knowledge to new artworks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Psychology of Visual Art about?

What can art tell us about how the brain works? And what can the brain tell us about how we perceive and create art? Humans have created visual art throughout history and its significance has been an endless source of fascination and debate. Visual art is a product of the human brain, but is art so complex and sophisticated that brain function and evolution are not relevant to our understanding? This book explores the links between visual art and the brain by examining a broad range of issues including: the impact of eye and brain disorders on artistic output; the relevance of Darwinian principles to aesthetics; and the constraints imposed by brain processes on the perception of space, motion and colour in art. Arguments and theories are presented in an accessible manner and general principles are illustrated with specific art examples, helping students to apply their knowledge to new artworks.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Psychology of Visual Art?

The Arts > The arts: general topics > Theory of art

Where can I read a sample of The Psychology of Visual Art?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781107005983

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Psychology of Visual Art?

George Mather

Who is the Publisher of the book The Psychology of Visual Art?

Cambridge University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Psychology of Visual Art is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781107005983) and paperback(ISBN 9780521184793)