Seminar at the American Museum of Natural History on the Convergence of Arts and Science

Seminar at the American Museum of Natural History on the Convergence of Arts and Science

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Photo credits: Michael Tanksley, Melanie Futorian, Libby Lussenhop

On June 2, 2025, I look forward to speaking with volunteers of the American Museum of Natural History on the convergence of the arts and the sciences. More specifically, I will be sharing how a study of Bharatanatyam can give us clues as to how the brain functions. A few themes I will discuss are the study of symbols and semiology through hand gestures (hastas), the study of narration, movement, patterns, and rhythm (tala). 

Post-event reflections:
About 25 people joined, and there was rich discussion on a variety of topics.
A few things that stood out to me, including testimonials:

• "Indian dance needs to be seen up close to appreciate it. American dance is more appreciated at a distance"
• "(In Indian dance), it seems that the hands are as important as feet and integral to movement , I think."
• "Yes, I've seen Indian dance. I see that every move is part of telling a story and the face is very expressive, especially the eyes."
• A physician participant recounted her experiences of a class called "Compassionate Medicine" where they looked at art. The struggle of the fisherman in this Homer's painting was something she still remembers. 
• Another participant talked about viewing art intensely as a way to learn how to pay attention. She mentioned losing the art of looking at others in the eye while treating them due to computerized systems, but that art can be a way to bring that back. 
• Participants wondered the neuroscience of bird song and dance.
  
• They also discussed the impacts of viewing works of art on enhancing attention and focus.