A new study by Professor Semir Zeki, professor of neurobiology and neuroaesthetics at University College London, has revealed a link between the neuro-response to being in love and looking at art. Utilising a series of brain mapping experiments, Professor Zeki has established a scientific connection between art and the release of feel good chemicals in the baring.
Using works of art by the likes of Botticelli, Turner, Cezanne and Constable, the Professor tested subjects for brain responses to the works in an MRI scanner to map their brain activity. It sounds a bit like the type of experiment Peter Venkman in Ghostbusters would have set up to get girls to fall for him, but it does lend a lot of weight to the importance of art.
The study of the effects of art on the brain coincides with the launch a National Art Pass by national fundraising charity Art Fund, to provide free or half price access to museums in the UK that usually charge for entry. The pass costs £47 as standard, but this goes down to £35 when you if you set up a direct debit. You can even get life membership for £950.
The long an short of it is that now we know that you don’t need to fall in love to get a good fix of dopamine. All you really need is a good art exhibition and cold showers.
