Understanding Perceptual Experience of Art Using Mobile Brain/Body Imaging

Abstract

This chapter draws on the importance of movement for human perceptual experience and how it influences brain dynamics. By use of Mobil Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI), artists with interest in the experience of art can get insights into human cortical activity during artworks. Specifically, art that depends on action faces challenges regarding the exploration of human brain activity during their artistic acts or performances. We give an account of how architectural experience, which essentially rests on perception and movement, can be investigated using a MoBI method. We present results from studies that indicate fundamental differences in cognitive and behavioural responses when comparing active behaviour compared to passive perception. Consideration of the processes underlying movement and cognition suggests that action alters perception, which in turn alters experience. MoBI is therefore able to reveal aspects of natural cognition, which would otherwise go unnoticed highlighting the advantage of using MoBI in animate forms of art.