Creative Brain and Critical Thinking: Can We Really Think Outside the Box?

Author: Hailey Dlugolenski

Field of Study: Psychology; Sociology

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Christopher Robbins

Easel: 89

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: From a young age, children are taught to act, behave, and oftentimes think a certain way. What happens when individuals do not follow these conditioned rules and do things differently? Artists including Superflex, Lauren McCarthy, and Yoko Ono have explored this question by using art to change the established way people think about and view art. In this project, paint is intended to be defined and used differently than how participants’ brains would typically conceptualize it. Questions such as “where should paint not be used?”, “what tools work best with paint?”, and even “is painting supposed to convey certain feelings and visuals?” will be asked and explored through different scenarios. Participants will be given the opportunity to determine their own definition of paint and use it however they feel. Overall, the goal is to get individuals to think outside their comfort zones and feel safe doing so.