The Visual NeuroAesthetics Lab
What does it mean for a painting to fill us with wonder, for a sunset to be beautiful or for a film to move us? Why do some visual experiences have the power to reach inside and grab us, while others leave little impression? How can we measure these experiences scientifically, and how can we leverage the impact of the arts and design to improve health and well-being?
In the VisNA Lab, we study the psychological and neural basis of aesthetic experiences, such as when a person is aesthetically “moved” by visual art, poetry, architecture, music, or natural landscapes. Much of our research relies on computational tools (e.g. machine learning), brain imaging (fMRI, EEG) and behavioral techniques. We also frequently use measurements of physiology and eye tracking.
Want to volunteer for our studies?
If you are a CCNY student, you can sign up directly via the CCNY SONA website. Once you create an account and log in, search studies for “The Psychology of Art and Design” and sign up for either the “CASH” or “CREDIT” version (for course credit).
If you are not a CCNY student or can’t sign up in SONA, email us at visnalab@ccny.cuny.edu or send us a note via the Contact page and someone from the lab will get back to you.
