BOOK REVIEW

Eric R. Kandel, a Nobel Laureate whose insights into the brain’s workings have enlightened our understanding of memory and learning, now takes us on an extraordinary journey where art meets science. ‘Essays on Art and Science’ is a compelling collection that explores the profound and intricate connection between the emotional power of art and the scientific processes that underlie our aesthetic experiences. In these essays, Kandel unravels the mystery of the ‘beholder’s share,’ delving into how our perceptions, informed by psychology and biology, transform a static piece of art into an interactive experience. From the anguished expressions in Soutine’s portraits to the disruptive vision of Cubism, this book bridges the two cultures of art and science, inviting readers to understand the beauty and complexity of our engagement with art through the lens of neuroscience. This is a must-read for anyone eager to decode the enigma of the artistic experience through the eyes of a master scientist.