How our brain appreciates beauty

Since time immemorial, humanity has been attracted to beauty, whether in nature, art or people. But what happens in our brain when we experience something beautiful? Neuroscience has begun to unravel the mechanisms underlying this universal fascination, revealing how neural networks work together to appreciate aesthetics.

Beauty and the Brain: A Question of Connections

Recent studies have shown that the experience of beauty activates several areas of the brain, including the orbitofrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the reward system. These regions are associated with emotion processing, decision making, and feelings of pleasure.

When we look at an impressive work of art or listen to moving music, the brain’s reward system, particularly the nucleus accumbens, releases dopamine. This neurotransmitter is related to happiness and pleasure, explaining why an aesthetic experience can be so rewarding.

Symmetry and Universal Rules

A recurring aspect in the perception of beauty is symmetry. Various studies have shown that symmetrical faces and objects are considered more attractive. This could be because our brain finds it easier to process ordered patterns, resulting in a feeling of pleasantness.

The golden ratio, also known as the golden rule, also plays an important role. This mathematical proportion appears in nature, architecture and art, and is believed to be perceived by our brains as intrinsically harmonious.

The Influence of Experiences and Culture

While there are universal principles, such as symmetry, our appreciation of beauty is also shaped by cultural factors and personal experiences. For example, aesthetic preferences may vary depending on the artistic traditions of a region or the trends of an era.

Individual experiences also play a crucial role. A painting that moves us deeply could be linked to significant memories, making our perception of its beauty unique and deeply personal.

Neuroaesthetics: The Science of Art and Beauty

Neuroaesthetics, an interdisciplinary field that combines neuroscience, psychology and art, seeks to understand how the brain processes beauty. Neuroimaging experiments have shown that the act of viewing art activates brain regions similar to those involved in the experience of love or desire.

A study led by neuroscientist Semir Zeki found that looking at a painting considered beautiful increases activity in the medial orbitofrontal cortex, a region associated with positive emotions. This reinforces the idea that beauty is not only an abstract concept, but also a tangible and measurable experience.

Beauty Beyond the Visual

Although most studies focus on visual beauty, it can also be found in other senses. Music, for example, has a unique power to evoke intense emotions and activate brain areas related to memory and pleasure.

Likewise, beauty also manifests itself in language, in the way words and ideas combine to create poetry or literature that resonates deeply with us.

In an increasingly digital world, where beauty can be designed and consumed in novel ways, research into how we perceive and value aesthetics could have profound implications in fields ranging from technology to mental health. Beauty, in the end, is not only in the eyes of the beholder, but also in the intricate networks of our neurons.