New Study Shows That Looking At Art Gives Same Pleasure As Being In Love (VIDEO)

There is a reason why art has served as a means of soulful self-expression for centuries upon centuries. All forms of art, from painting to dancing to music, are very personal and emotional experiences -- both for the artists and the viewers. While it is a common experience to fall in love with a certain artwork, scientists now have evidence that shows the brain reacts similarly when viewing artwork and when falling in love. New research by Semir Zeki, Professor of Neuroesthetics at University College London demonstrates that viewing a beautiful work of art creates the same chemical response as love. Both experiences trigger the feel-good chemical dopamine. So if you're missing that special someone, perhaps partake in a daily dose of art inspiration. Check out the video below for a more in-depth look at the Zeki's findings.

Comments

[CrookWatch]

04:57 PM on 05/23/2011

Suck it, NEA haters!

[maxwpcltrn]

07:04 AM on 05/21/2011

Wishing all the people on the Internet today good health and much happiness.
Hoping you all have a great day.

[cbelle]

03:01 PM on 05/20/2011

While this is sweet and not really surprising, it is truly archaic to equate "Art" with "Beauty", or simply pretty things to look at so that one feels all warm and glowy inside. The functions of art also include inspiring outrage (Picasso's Guernica for one), although I suppose one could find themselves enamored with the artist's sentiment even when it is not "romantic".

[julietrecamier]

10:58 AM on 06/12/2011

My fiance is a puzzler, and completed a 3,000-piece Guernica that he framed and hung; it takes away my breath every time I look at it; I agree with your statement of outrage, I think the beauty of Picasso's expression of death and destruction overcomes both. It is mesmerizing, and an item on my bucket list is to see that painting in real life.

[colormecotton]

01:10 PM on 05/19/2011

Interesting, though I remain healthily sceptical when scientists try dipping their scalpels into the sacred territory of the arts.
Hmmmm. Actually, given that we as a society are so sure of the transcendant and healing power of music, paintings, literature, poetry etc, why is calling someone a 'dreamer' used as such an insult today?
Are we all so masochistic that we can't even fulfill our own need for an occasional step away from reality?

[Nolana]

10:21 AM on 05/18/2011

Daniel Levitin explores this idea in relation to the brain's reaction to music in "The World in Six Songs" and "This Is Your Brain on Music". Quite interesting.

Interesting that in the UK, this nationwide "Art Pass" is being made available to promote the arts, and thus promote well-being, while in this country, art is (at a federal level) denigrated by the right, and funding being cut to the bone. :(

[Saijanai]

11:32 AM on 05/26/2011

Maplethorpe is the justification for the right-wing hatred of state-sponsored art.

[jeffp26]

10:11 AM on 05/18/2011

The way neurobiology is opening us up is fascinating.

Given what this story details, I highly recommend going to museums and art galleries with your partner. Nothing better than a "double shot!!"

[First namepat Sharp]

06:13 PM on 05/18/2011

But if you ARE an artist, never give your lover a painting...........they might stay home with it!

[nootrope]

09:55 AM on 05/18/2011

No wonder GOP always wants to cut funding for art.

[Mike169]

11:40 AM on 05/20/2011

...and education and health and pay and jobs and everything.

[DrCalif]

09:04 AM on 05/18/2011

Well, both experiences also involve the eyes, but that doesn't mean the experiences are "the same."

[cdhj12000]

12:04 PM on 05/19/2011

Music, sculpture and literature are just a few forms of art that do not necessarily involve the eyes.

[Mehrine]

07:00 AM on 05/20/2011

Right. Also, I'm pretty sure blind people can be in love.

[moonflowerjewelry]

08:41 AM on 05/18/2011

Fascinating... but not surprising. Think about ancient cave paintings... logical that abstract representation would serve an evolutionary function leading eventually to the written word. Just like the brain chemistry of attraction/love/lust insures continued procreation. If abstract visual stimulation is hard-wired to create a positive sensation, without that we would still be running around without loincloths. :-)

[CabCurious]

08:21 AM on 05/18/2011

Now this is interesting.

And I think it's the only non-moderated article on HuPo.

[anfractuous]

07:50 AM on 05/18/2011

And even better, you'll never get dumped by a painting.

[Sunflo]

09:42 AM on 05/18/2011

Can still break your heart though...

[blahblahblahreally]

07:33 AM on 05/18/2011

I knew that...........................................

[Smirk]

06:50 AM on 05/18/2011

The findings of the study do not surprise me at all.