Temptation of the Mind and Body

Read about the Artist talks from June 22nd, 2016 here

^{Pauline Lim, Why Did I Do That Again?}

Curated by Kayla Spafford and designed by John Quatrale

with exhibition assistance by Nayu Lee – See the press release here

7 Artists represented and 19 original works of art: Joanne Desmond, Amy Kelly, Pauline Lim,

Joan Mullen, Alexandra Rozenman, Ruth Segaloff, and Nohelia Vargas

This exhibition (June 10 – July 22, 2016) explores the science and psychology of temptation

and how it manifests in everyday life. See all the artwork here.

See the exhibition program that can be printed here

Harvard Ed Portal Crossings Art Gallery, Allston, MA

224 Western Avenue (parking in the rear and on the 86, 70, and 70A MBTA bus lines). Just a 15 minute walk from the Harvard Square Red Line MBTA Station. Free auto and bike parking in the rear of the building.

Opening reception, refreshments, wine, short artist talks and jazz singer Beth Purcell and

and Brian Friedland on Piano

June 10, 2016

FREE and open to the public – See the Reception photos here

Short artist talks at the reception by Joan Mullen, Amy Kelly, Alexandra Rozenman, and Nohelia Vargas

Curatorial statement:

You see a chocolate cake at your friend’s birthday party and try to resist taking a piece. You cave in and it was gratifying to do so until you realize how many calories it has. You feel guilty, but why? We live in a culture of temptation with hedonistic values and yet we are expected to resist.

When we are tempted we respond to the prefrontal cortex and the regulation of responses from the rest of our brain. People who are not able to self-regulate have higher chances of addiction. Those who have disciplined themselves long enough to resist temptation have long-term plans in achieving their goals.

We associate our temptations with negative consequences but good can come out of these desires. We are able to reflect upon what is important to us and build upon our personal values.

The artwork shown depicts these themes though visual narrative. The mind, brain, and body are figuratively and abstractly represented.

Brain

Temptation is more than a struggle. It’s a war between different brain mechanisms. Your mind is responding to the prefrontal cortex, the part of our brain that reminds us about our long-term goals, and the regulation of responses from the rest of the brain.

Mind

Even though temptation is controlled by the brain we can do our best to control it. Surrounding yourself around good influences and focusing on the bigger picture is one way to start. The biggest factor of going back to bad habits is the availability of the object.

Addiction & Discipline (Body)

Some people are not able to regulate their urges. Their brain responds abnormally to these messages resulting in the possibility of addiction. The best way to avoid temptation is to take care of you health and to have a long-term plan.