Of Dendrites and Skills: An artistic perspective on neuropsychology

Catalogue of the group exhibition *Dendrites and Skills: An Artistic Perspective on Neuropsychology*, curated by Pablo Mercado and featuring works by Ángela de Alba, Gloria Arranz, Enrique Carvajal, Eugenia Castillo, Ani Jiménez, Helena Marqués, Marina Martínez, Mayal (Marta González), Victoria Ramírez and Patricia Florido. This exhibition forms part of the third edition of the Neuropsicoartes educational innovation project, coordinated by Professor Estela Castilla within the framework of the Key-Project call for proposals by the Vice-Rectorate for Transfer, Entrepreneurship and Business at the University of Málaga (UMA). On this occasion, the project benefits from the special collaboration of the ‘Encounters with Science’ series, directed by Professors Enrique Viguera and Ana Grande, as well as the support of the Héroes Foundation, the Neurodemfa Alzheimer’s Therapy Centre, ADACEMA, ITIPA and the A.P.A-Andalucía Foundation.

Neuropsychology is the science that studies the relationship between the brain and the human mind, seeking to explain how this organ supports functions such as memory, language, emotions and reasoning. Today, this discipline has moved beyond the laboratory to become a profession that assesses and treats people with neurological conditions, such as acquired brain injury, dementia or neurodiverse profiles (for example, autism, ADHD or giftedness). It is a science that not only identifies difficulties or abilities, but also recognises that the brain is plastic and that

and that it can be trained and changed through experience and the environment, improving people’s health and daily lives.

In this exhibition, Fine Art and Psychology students from the University of Malaga (UMA) have transformed this scientific knowledge into visual art. The ten original works that make up the exhibition are inspired by the functioning of the brain and the experiences of those living with neuropsychological disorders, combining scientific outreach with artistic sensitivity. With ‘De Dendritas y Destrezas’, we aim to bring the public closer to the important—yet still little-known—work of neuropsychology and to show how art can give voice to the complexity of our minds.