Essays on Art and Science

In "Essays on Art and Science," Nobel laureate Eric R. Kandel explores the intricate connections between our neurological makeup and the profound impact of art. The book delves into how the human brain, through processes rooted in psychology and biology, shapes our emotional and perceptual responses to visual art. Kandel traces the origins of this understanding to early twentieth-century Vienna, emphasizing the concept of the "beholder's share" - the idea that art is incomplete without the viewer's active engagement.

The essays examine how innate sensory perception and higher-order cognitive functions, including personal experiences, memories, and emotions, interact to create our individual interpretations of art. Subjects range from the angst in Soutine's portraits and the portrayal of women's sexuality to the challenges Cubism presents to our visual system, and the differing reactions to abstract versus figurative art. This collection offers insights into the mechanisms behind our aesthetic experiences, presenting a scientific framework for appreciating the complexities of art.