University Library News

On the surface, the subjects of art and neuroscience have little in common, but when we look deeper, we find that both are driven by a shared curiosity about how humans see and express themselves. At the Georgia State University Library, a new exhibit highlights the intertwining of art and neuroscience. “Neural Impressions” invites visitors to explore the fusion of these two seemingly unrelated fields, uncovering the beauty and complexity of scholarly research through the lens of artistic expression.

In what can be described as artistic reactions to scientific research, this exhibition of 20 Georgia State University artists, both students and faculty, represents the confluence of the visual arts and the many fields of neuroscience: neural imaging, microscopy, neuropathology, visual perception, psychedelic research, psychology, nutritional neuroscience, childhood development, anthrozoology and more. Through their unique visual expression, each artist emphasizes the interconnectedness of science, art, and lived experiences.

Neural Impressions was curated by students Adam Sprague and Hannah Lichtenstein. 

Hannah Lichtenstein is a Neuroscience PhD student at GSU and serves as the Brains & Behavior Creative Assistant. She is interested in working at the intersection of scientific research, artistic expression, and public science education. She was also recently awarded the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

Adam Sprague is a double major in studio art and art history at GSU’s Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design. In addition to his involvement with Brains & Behavior, he works with Underground Journal, Grey Matters, and the Drawing Und Painting Authority (DUPA) to create opportunities for GSU artists. His arts-based research was recently awarded first place for artistic display at GSURC.

“Our goal with Neural Impressions was to break down the barriers between art and science. These two disciplines can enrich and inform one another, and have more similarities than one would think,” says Hannah. “Furthermore, curating this exhibit was an opportunity to foster interdisciplinary relationships between academic departments that are often isolated from one another,” says Adam.

“Through hosting exhibitions like Neural Impressions, our university library continues to foster collaboration across disciplines, supporting scholarly endeavors that align with values outlined in our strategic plan,” says dean of libraries Jeff Steely. “This exhibit showcases the innovative spirit of our students and faculty, highlighting the library as a vibrant hub of academic success and creativity.”

Neural Impressions also supports GSU’s 2023-2033 strategic plan. The exhibit highlights the scholarship of GSU students and faculty while creatively presenting that research in visually captivating ways uncommon for such collections.

The ArtSci Match Program, an initiative of The Brain & Behavior Program at Georgia State University, made Neural Impressions possible by pairing scientists across the neuroscience disciplines with artists at GSU. This collaboration, envisioned by Lichtenstein, allowed artists and scientists to exchange ideas about scientific research and artistic processes, resulting in poignant visual artwork inspired by the important research at GSU.

The Brains & Behavior Program is a transdisciplinary program that promotes research collaborations and dialog through graduate courses, lectures, grants, and more. The ArtSci Match 2024-25 Program will begin in September, and artists and scientists are welcome to apply to participate. 

Sign up to be notified when applications for ArtSci Match 2024-25 open: https://forms.gle/P4woSjbz5dDinKig7 

Learn more about the Brains & Behavior Program: https://neuroscience.gsu.edu/brains-behavior/

The Neural Impressions exhibit is on display on the 2nd floor of Library North in the downtown Atlanta library through June 7. See the library’s hours of operation to plan your visit: https://lib.gsu.edu