Shaping and reshaping the aesthetic brain: emerging perspectives on the neurobiology of embodied aesthetics

Kirsch, L. P., Urgesi, C. and Cross, E. S. (2016) Shaping and reshaping the aesthetic brain: emerging perspectives on the neurobiology of embodied aesthetics. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 62, pp. 56-68. (doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.12.005) (PMID:26698020)

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Abstract

Less than two decades after its inception, the burgeoning field of neuroaesthetics continues to grow in interest and momentum. Despite the biological and social importance of the human body and the attention people pay to its appearance in daily life, only recently has neuroaesthetic inquiry turned its attention to questions concerning the aesthetic appraisal of the human body. We review evidence illustrating that the complexity of aesthetic experience is reflected by dynamic interplay between brain systems involved in reward, perceptual and motor processing, with a focus on aesthetic perception involving the human body. We then evaluate work demonstrating how these systems are modulated by beholders’ expertise or familiarity. Finally, we discuss seminal studies revealing the plasticity of behavioural and neural responses to beauty after perceptual and motor training. This research highlights the rich potential for neuroaesthetic inquiry to extend beyond its typical realm of the fine arts to address important questions regarding the relationship between embodiment, aesthetics and performing arts. We conclude by considering some of the criticisms and limitations of neuroaesthetics, and highlight several outstanding issues for future inquiry.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cross, Professor Emily
Authors: Kirsch, L. P., Urgesi, C., and Cross, E. S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0149-7634
ISSN (Online):1873-7528
Published Online:15 December 2015
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 The Authors
First Published:First published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 62:56-68
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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