top of page

Gift
Your 
Loved
Ones

Search

Artistic Expression and Brain Plasticity: A Deep Dive into the Research

Updated: Oct 1, 2024




Art has been shown to have a powerful impact on brain plasticity.


Brain plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences.

This connection between art and brain plasticity has been the subject of much research in recent years, and the findings suggest that engaging in creative activities can have a range of positive effects on the brain.


One way in which art can impact brain plasticity is by promoting the growth of new neural connections.



When we engage in creative activities, we are challenging our brains to think in new ways, which can stimulate the growth of new neural pathways. This can lead to improved cognitive function, as well as better memory and attention span.


Did you know that engaging in artistic activities can actually change the structure and function of your brain?



That's right, research has shown that creating art can increase brain plasticity, which is the brain's ability to change and adapt over time.


For example, a study that adults who engaged in visual arts training had increased connectivity in the brain's default mode network, which is responsible for tasks like self-reflection and introspection. 1

Another study showed that learning to play a musical instrument can enhance brain plasticity and improve cognitive function. 2





 

The Reason behind this Connection


The reasoning for this link between art and brain plasticity lies in the fact that creating art involves complex cognitive processes like problem-solving, visual-spatial processing, and emotional regulation.

These processes engage multiple areas of the brain and require the brain to form new neural connections and strengthen existing ones.


Art Soothes Emotions


Research has also shown that art can increase the production of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play a key role in regulating mood and emotions, and are often associated with feelings of pleasure and well-being. By increasing the production of these neurotransmitters, art can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. 3


Creative Minds Blossom



Moreover, engaging in creative activities has been shown to promote the development of certain regions of the brain that are associated with creativity and problem-solving.

For example, studies have found that musicians have a larger corpus callosum - the part of the brain that connects the left and right hemispheres - than non-musicians, suggesting that musical training can promote the development of inter-hemispheric communication.4


Similarly, Functional imaging studies have demonstrated the involvement of the PFC in creativity tasks.This suggests that engaging in creative activities can help to develop these cognitive skills, which can be applied in a range of different contexts. 5


Art Builds Community



Finally, art can also have a positive impact on brain plasticity by promoting social connections and a sense of community. Engaging in creative activities with others can help to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness, which has been shown to have a range of positive effects on psychological health and well-being.





Art Enhances Life


In summary, the research suggests that engaging in creative activities such as art can have a powerful impact on brain plasticity, leading to improved cognitive function, better memory and attention span, reduced stress and anxiety, and enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills.

By incorporating art into our daily lives, we can promote brain health and well-being, while also enjoying the many benefits that come with expressing ourselves creatively.




Citations:

  1. Beaty, R. E., Benedek, M., Wilkins, R. W., Jauk, E., Fink, A., Silvia, P. J., Hodges, D. A., Koschutnig, K., & Neubauer, A. C. (2014). Creativity and the default network: A functional connectivity analysis of the creative brain at rest. Neuropsychologia, 64, 92–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2014.09.019

  2. Ker, J., Nelson, S., Tulane University School of Medicine, & Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology. (2019). The effects of musical training on brain plasticity and cognitive processes. In Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Brain Research (Vol. 2019, Issue 02) [Journal-article]. https://kosmospublishers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/The-Effects-of-Musical-Training-on-Brain-Plasticity-and-Cognitive-Processes.pdf

  3. Making art activates brain’s reward pathway – Drexel study. (2023, January 23). https://drexel.edu/news/archive/2017/june/making-art-activates-brains-reward-pathways

  4. Woelfle, R., & Grahn, J. A. (2013). Auditory and visual interhemispheric Communication in Musicians and Non-Musicians. PloS One, 8(12), e84446. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0084446

  5. De Souza, L. C., Guimarães, H. C., Teixeira, A. L., Caramelli, P., Levy, R., Dubois, B., & Volle, E. (2014). Frontal lobe neurology and the creative mind. Frontiers in Psychology, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00761

15 views0 comments

Comments


E-Gift

Unsure of the perfect gift? Opt for our E-Gift Card!

It’s the one-size-fits-all present that ensures they get exactly what they want.

a-visually-appealing-collage-of-asia-created-using-19rHx7TeRwOqIN_DAMGyaA-UdO3MUvSRx-SOMFH

International Gifting, Now a Click Away!

Delight your loved ones, no matter the distance. International delivery will be soon available for all our products.

Brain Subscriptions

Brain Gym - Subscriptions :

Mental fitness is NOT a one-time goal, but a continuous process that requires daily attention and care. Our Subscriptions help you take care of your mental health every day.

Anti-Anxiety

Brain Booster

Digital Detox

Creative Curiosity

Discover collections