In this captivating book, Magsamen and Ross tell us that “we are literately changed on a cellular level by aesthetics.” They describe how scientific research has caught up with the way in which art supports health, learning, and our sense of well-being in a field called neuroaesthetics. For me, the most compelling study the authors describe is one that was conducted by a Stanford cardiologist and his acoustic bioengineer colleague. They placed heart cells in a gelled substance and watched as the cells danced, riding “waves across the gel and into extraordinary patterns.” This puts the notion of being moved by music into a more literal realm! It is also one of many reasons the authors will say that “art and science are potent medicine, capable of radically transforming our physical health.”

Magsamen and Ross explain the relevant science in a vernacular non-scientists can understand. For example, they describe our brains’ neurons as overlapping branches of a tree. These neurons are social and need connection with others to survive. In the language of the brain, these social connections are called synaptic. The intensity of the sensory input determines how synaptic circuits are wired. Memory-making experiences and sensory rich environments support greater connections.

These authors say that the changes aesthetic experiences can make in us will transform our lives. Developing an aesthetic mindset is the first step, and they will give you advice on how to do that.

An interesting book collecting various studies and examples of how our brains and bodies respond to art of various kinds . It shows many anecdotal stories and then backs them up with relevant studies and discusses healing through these modalities.

I love art, and certainly like viewing it more than reading about it. But this has a nice take, and I learned a few things along with way. This feels a bit academic, but it's very readable and authoritative. This will probably satisfy the niche audience it serves.

Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!

I believe Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross is going to be a HUGE hit in the nonfiction community! I couldn't put this one down. If you liked or resonated with The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (who is quoted within the book), you'll be absolutely fascinated by this work of art in itself. I truly felt like this book was speaking to me with every turn of the page. As someone who struggles with mental health due to SA and childhood trauma, and someone who is currently exploring the arts, this book was a wealth of information and an absolute treat!
I really enjoyed the easy to digest writing style and the way the book is organized into smaller sections. The book presents examples of how "the arts and aesthetics" are utilized to help many individuals cope with traumatic events, daily stressors, mental health, end of life, and pain, etc. Recent studies have shown that engaging in the arts has an affect on multiple physiological and neural systems within the human body. Art can help heal the body, mind, and spirit.
It was fascinating learning about the different types of art, the programs out there that are offering a type of art therapy, and especially, the ways our brains work when we are actively engaging in these activities.
Overall, an incredible read! I highly reccomend it if you enjoy reading about art, mental health, healthcare/medicine, and neurology. A new favorite!

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us
Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross
Random House
March 21, 2023

Your Brain on Art begins by defining an aesthetic mindset as: (1) a high level of curiosity; (2) open-ended exploration; (3) keen sensory awareness; and (4) a drive to engage in creative endeavors either as a maker and/or beholder. It fosters an ongoing connection to your environment (a sensory connection) that opens you to creating or appreciating art. It changes you. It’s transformative.

The authors then offer an Aesthetic Mindset Index. This index is based on a research instrument called the Aesthetic Responsiveness Assessment. They have modified the instrument by adding prompts that explore your aesthetic mind and the ways they affect you. The resulting number will be used later (2-3 months) to determine if the information in the book has altered your aesthetic responses. They posit that the arts and aesthetic experiences will make you healthier, improve your well being, and enhance your ability to learn.

The next chapter is an arts anatomy cheat sheet. Knowing how your senses react is key to understanding the transformative nature of the arts. An example of their scientific evidence is the sense of smell. Smells trigger physical and mental responses from you. The authors literally explain how the olfactory system works to trigger responses. They also explore taste, sight, touch, and sound and their effects on the body. They note that music is the most studied sense in neuroaesthetics. Your brain chemically reacts to frequency, tone, and vibration, which in turn, alters your mood and can address neurological and emotions issues.

The book is anatomy-heavy, going into details of the body and how the brain forms and reorganizes neuronal connections. This ability to wire and rewire itself is called Neuroplasticity. It is one of the core concepts of the Neuroarts.

The second core concept is an enriched environment. The concept is simply stated: Enriched environments produce positive outcomes while impoverished environments produce “corrosive effects” on health and well-being.

The third core concept is the aesthetic triad. It is a theoretical model that explains three components that combine to form an aesthetic experience. The three components are 1) our sensorimoter system; 2) our reward system and 3) our cognitive knowledge and meaning-making.

The fourth core concept of Neuroarts is the default mode network (DMN). Since no one has your exact brain, your responses to aesthetic experiences are as individual as you are. The DMN is your filter for determining if something is beautiful or not; if something is meaningful or meaningless; and it’s what makes art and aesthetics a personal experience for you. Hence, your meaning-making is made in the DMN.

The authors go into depth on each of these components, explaining what is happening biologically in your brain and body in response to the arts and aesthetic experiences. They delve into how aesthetic therapies work for suffering patients and how the mind-brain-body relationship research will advance our wellness and health.

The book is well researched and filled with examples to support that research. As I mentioned before, the book is demanding on the reader. This is not a light read. But, for artists and patients the book can be a resource as a path to wellness.
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I’m fascinated by this topic as a poet, author and art lover, and our family owns a 120 year old church that we have converted to a free community arts center. I was hoping this would be a great resource for our arts center and that I’d also get great ideas for using art for myself and my kids. It’s well researched with lots of great information but it’s just so dry. I had to make myself keep reading, like a textbook you have to read for college instead of like a book you just can’t put down. I’m afraid most of it was lost on me as I found myself just skimming it to be done. I think another format would be better with takeaway tips in each chapter, highlights, and a more engaging, conversational tone.

I found this book to be fascinating. The author talks extensively on how art effects our brain and our health. I really learned a lot. Lots of examples are given of different types of art including painting, drawing, creative, writing, and making music and shows how they can help in health and healing. This book made me want to make more time in my day for creativity and fun activities and maybe even try something totally new.