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Real art stimulates the brain more than reproductions

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Marjorie Firth

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An interesting Guardian article this morning “ Scans show real art stimulates brain 10 times as much as reproductions”. An independent study commissioned by the Mauritshuis in the Hague. Personally I agree, I’m more excited looking at the genuine article…my imagination and thoughts seem to go into overdrive…I find myself thinking about the artist as a “ real “ person, wondering about his life etc, examining every part of the painting. What is so interesting is that this stimulation can be scientifically measured.
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Lewis Cooper

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I totally agree Marjorie.  There's something special about viewing the real thing in a gallery.  It can change your views.  I was familiar with Modigliani's work from photos and didn't rate him that much, until I saw the real thing in a gallery.  Now I admire his work.  I feel an uplifting of spirits when I can view the actual work of an artist I admire.
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Marjorie Firth

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And Morandi….so impressive “ in the real”. Now the other way round…some of Monet’s and V.G.s were the opposite, the reproductions were more vivid, maybe down to deterioration of paint etc. Yet my brain functions probably still registered more interest.

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by Marjorie Firth

Norrette Moore

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I agree, also.  I often dismissed the Dutch flower paintings, until I examined one or two this year, in the flesh. But even then, sometimes, if they're lit badly - as some are in the National, you can pass them by. In the 'Now you see us' exhibition at Tate Brit, each flower picture (not necessarily dutch) was given its ample space and well lit. I suddenly got switched on. Ps, I'm visiting the Van Gogh exhib next week.  Will see how it goes.

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by Norrette Moore

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Martin Cooke

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One artist whose work might look better in reproduction is Klee. Most of his works are pretty small, but they look great when blown up to A2 poster size.

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by Martin Cooke

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Marjorie Firth

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Interesting. I’ve never seen an original Klee.
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Paul (Dixie) Dean

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I think we get the feelings from knowing that it’s the actual work that the artist spent time on creating, even though the reproduction is by them it’s like it’s one step removed. Getting a bit heavy I know but as artist we are sensitive to painting more than a non artist as we understand the process, actions and emotions that have gone into producing a painting and it’s these emotions, senses etc are armed more stimulated when viewing the actual work . It’s as if we are more in touch with the artist and his emotions, his often do we say to each others on the site I can sense the feelings , emotions that went into paint that.  Sorry if I’ve wondered off the track and no I’m not quite potty yet, well my psychiatrist said  I’m not  , he or she would if I had one anyway.
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Marjorie Firth

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The heightened emotions / stimulations apply to everyone I assume, not necessarily only those who produce art.
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Paul (Dixie) Dean

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Sorry I was not meaning to suggest that only those who paint have the emotions , I was try to point out that someone who  paints might feel stronger about a particular painting as they are more in tune with the process of it’s creation but again it’s only my personal opinion. 

Jenny Harris

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Deleted.

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Marjorie Firth

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I’m sure you weren’t Paul and it’s interesting to think that each one of us will have such different reactions.
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Lewis Cooper

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Odd that Martin mentioned some of Klee's work is small and look better enlarged.  About the only artist whose work disappointed when I saw it 'in the flesh' was one of Dali's soft watch paintings...it seemed tiny.   Not a reason to dislike something, but it was certainly a kind of anti-climax. This one...persistence of memory... 9 x 13 inches.
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