Art Fund's brainwave tech shows art's health benefits
In celebration of its 120th anniversary, Art Fund, the UK charity dedicated to arts and culture, has commissioned a technology that visualizes brainwaves in real-time. Created by artist Seph Li in collaboration with The Mill, this headset sends impulses to a screen for 3D visualizations. The initial tests took place at the Courtauld Gallery, where attendees witnessed their responses to masterpieces by van Gogh, Cézanne, Manet, and Monet. Will Macneil noted that attention expands ribbons, confusion generates spirals, and recognition leads to bright reflections. Van Gogh's Self-portrait (1882) displayed significant oscillations, while Kossoff's Shell Building Site (1962) exhibited sharper waves. Notably, 34% of visitors reported feeling 'curious' about van Gogh. This project is set to tour UK institutions in 2024.
Key facts
- Art Fund commissioned the project for its 120th anniversary.
- The technology was developed by The Mill and artist Seph Li.
- The device is a lightweight headset that visualizes brainwaves in real-time.
- First tested at the Courtauld Gallery in London.
- Visitors viewed works by van Gogh, Cézanne, Manet, and Monet.
- Will Macneil described how brainwave patterns change with attention and recognition.
- Van Gogh's Self-portrait with bandaged ear produced deeper oscillations.
- Leon Kossoff's Shell Building Site generated shorter, sharper waves.
- 34% of visitors felt curious viewing van Gogh; 27% felt relaxed viewing Kossoff.
- 95% of UK adults agree visiting museums is beneficial, but 40% go less than once a year.
- 16% of UK adults believe art has no impact on them.
- The initiative will tour UK institutions in 2024.
Entities
Artists
- Seph Li
- Vincent van Gogh
- Paul Cézanne
- Édouard Manet
- Claude Monet
- Leon Kossoff
Institutions
- Art Fund
- The Mill
- Courtauld Gallery
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom