Brain Waves: Neurology and consciousness for artists

10 daily webinars from June 2 - 13, 2025

Brain Waves is a 2 week long webinar for artists interested in neurobiology, consciousness and the nature of the self. The program will take place over 2 weeks on-line in the summer of 2025 and will feature daily video chats with neurobiology researchers, philosophers and psychologists from around the world who will offer lectures and lead discussions on topics related to brain function. We will also enjoy many short one-on-one meetings with artists who make art related to neurology and consciousness. Built in to the 2 - 2.5 hours of daily programming are discussions, recommended assignments and show and tell.

Outline:

 - Neurology in Contemporary Art, Opportunities and Resources

- The History of Consciousness and Free Will

- Neurotransmitters - the chemistry of emotion and behavior

- Synesthesia and Sensory Stimuli

- Sugar: Euphoria, Addiction, Dementia

- How Sleep & Dreams Affect our Memories with the Sleep Research Labs, Royal Ottawa Hospital

- Toxoplasma: parasites and the blood brain barrier.

- Memory: What is it, Where is it? Can we trust it?

- Hypnosis: The Power of Suggestion

- Motivation, Creativity and Neurodivergence

- Mirror neurons, dancing and empathy