THE SCIENCE OF ART is a ground-breaking three–part series that will explore how science is using art to understand the human brain, and, in so doing, throwing up surprising theories about how art works. Where the Romantic view of art is that it is God-given and unexplainable, science is now ‘unweaving the rainbow’. And controversially so… for many scientists now believe that they can explain why we like what we like, why we tap our feet to the Beatles, are dazzled by Dvorak, or go gaga for Gauguin. Presented by Matthew Cain, Cultural Editor of Channel 4 News, this controversial series will explore the world of art through the prism of ‘neuro-aesthetics’ for the first time. Working in tandem with the UK’s most prestigious art institutions… witnessing extraordinary cross-cultural stunts and experiments… and uncovering the secrets of many iconic works of art – from the Mona Lisa to Star Wars – this series will reveal how artists, musicians and storytellers have used their skills to dazzle the human brain, and explore how neuroscience is on the verge of radically changing our attitudes to human creativity. Covering Art & Architecture, Music & Dance, and Stories & Film over three episodes, it might even change the way we look at art forever.
3×60’ for Channel 4
Series Producer: Hugo Macgregor
Executive Producer: Daisy Goodwin
