May 11th, 2016: Dr. Efthymios Papatzikis, professor of educational neuroscience at Canadian University Dubai (CUD), has been discussing the impact of art on the human brain, during a talk at the World Art Dubai event held recently at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Providing his insights from a neuroscience perspective, Dr. Papatzikis revealed how research has shown that art can affect the brain structure, function and cognition, and thus can play a significant role in achieving personal and professional advancement.
Speaking about the foundations of the research, Dr. Papatzikis said, “There is no culture on this planet that hasn’t a form of art developed or embedded in its roots and everyday life. After relevant neuroscientific evidence has been revealed, it is clear now more than ever that the main reason for this is our brain – its structure and function.”
Going on to reveal the magnitude of art’s importance, he said, “Our brains are ‘pre-wired’ for art, and hence, in need of art to learn, adapt and excel in multidisciplinary and multifaceted societies. It is important because through this route, people will be able to realise their full potential, enhancing side traits of their nature both at a personal as well as societal level.”
Dr. Papatzikis, who has participated in research projects across the globe, was speaking at the second edition of World Art Dubai, the city’s annual celebration of art. This year’s event comprised a four-day program of exhibitions, educational sessions, cultural activities and family entertainment. Dr. Papatzikis was among an esteemed lineup of presenters at the event, including award-winning artists and international curators, as well as fellow scientists in the field.
As a career violinist prior to joining academic, Dr. Papatzikis is passionate about encouraging everyone to explore their creative abilities through the arts. He concluded, “They [the arts] can allow us to see things differently, to imagine new possibilities, to invent new solutions to our problems and to create, in short, new ways of doing things in order to evolve and progress.”
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