Reflections around examples of the representation in contemporary art of memory functioning as a brain activity

Abstract

In this article, after a general introduction in which we deal with basic concepts about memory and brain, the efforts made during twentieth century to understand the mechanisms underlying the human memory functioning, making reference in passing to the progress accomplished with research carried out by neurosciences, which made possible, among other things, a better understanding of the specific brain areas involved in the steps of acquisition and consolidation of information (and his evocation), we analyze examples of contemporary art works, from different areas of expression, that allow us to discuss some aspects concerning memory functioning, as brain activity. The works concerned are based in philosophical or psychological models, in a pioneering study about relationship between memory and emotions carried out by american scientists Roger Brown & James Kulik, that introduced in scientific literature the term flashbulb memories, and the opportunities posed by using imaging technologies.