'The Art Of Mind' - An Artistic Reflection Framework

Before I go further into depth, here's the overall structure of my story:

I provide a structured framework for understanding human behavior and thought processes. It consists of three dimensions: The 'Three Brains' Dimension (D1), The 'OC²' Dimension (D2) and The 'Ecosystem' Dimensions (D3). The matrix of D1 x D2 results into eight main factors outlined in the reflection tool: Triggers, Amplifiers, Elementary needs, Connection, Meaning, Motivations, Persistence, and Engagement. When you add the dimension of time and change, the reflection framework is complete. Each time I will try to link the insights of the dimension elements into artistic contexts.

So the general structure of the blog / concept is as follows:

'The Art of Mind' – An Artistic Reflection Framework

INTRODUCTION (Episode 1)
FRAMEWORK

• The Three BRAINS (Episodes 2 to 5)
• The OC² Process (Episode 6 to 10)
• The Other Dimensions (Episodes 11 to 16)
• The 8 MAIN FACTORS (Episode 17 and following …)

APPLICATIONS

• In Content: THEORY / EXAMPLES / USE
• In Context: for ARTISTS / GALLERIES / MUSEA

I will first introduce each dimension & subparts and then apply it to different art contexts. Let's start with the first dimension – The Three Brains!: "The Primitive, Emotional & Rational Brains"

Episode 3 - The Primitive Brain: Survival, Instinct, and Creativity

Art, like life itself, is shaped by instinct, reaction, and structure. Beneath every drawing line or brushstroke, every sculpted form, and every curated exhibition lies a deeper human drive—one embedded in the primitive brain, the very core of our evolutionary history.

In this post, I suggest exploring the reptilian brain, the oldest part of human cognition. Though civilization has evolved far beyond our early ancestors, remnants of their survival instincts still guide our decisions today—whether in art, leadership, or the way we navigate uncertainty.

Survival: The Foundation of Human Behavior

The first function of the brain was survival—adapting, anticipating danger, and responding to threats. Early organisms developed detection systems for light, pressure, and temperature, allowing them to interact with their environment. This same evolutionary principle applies to human behavior today. Our cerebellum and brainstem govern fight-or-flight responses, ensuring we act instinctively when facing danger. Just as wolves weigh risk versus reward before attacking prey, humans have always balanced safety with decision-making—choosing whether to act, retreat, or adapt based on perceived threats. Even in art, survival instincts shape choices. A painter may adjust their work to fit market trends (which I personally think is not a good idea but sometimes necessary, in a way and from a survival perspective's point of view), while a curator carefully selects pieces that align with audience expectations. Artistry, like survival, is a process of navigating risks, embracing intuition, and adapting to the unknown.

The Human Search for Safety

At its core, survival leads to the search for safety, stability, and predictability. When faced with uncertainty, humans instinctively seek comfort—familiarity over deviation, tradition over experimentation. This psychological need for stability influences the creative process. Artists establish visual balance within their works, curators frame exhibitions to create emotional harmony, and audiences gravitate toward recognizable themes. Yet true innovation often lies beyond safety—it emerges when artists challenge norms, push boundaries, and disrupt predictability. By understanding this fundamental psychological tension, we can explore how art exists both within and beyond our primitive instincts.

Instinct, Emotion, and Cognitive Awareness

Instinct operates beneath conscious thought, guiding choices based on past experiences. A painter may instinctively mix colors in a certain way (possibly as a consequence of years of practice), while a gallery owner selects pieces based on subconscious emotional reactions. This interplay between instinct and intellect is a central theme I want to challenge. Just as bad experiences shape survival responses, artistic failures and successes determine creative direction. Over time, instinct becomes refined—it teaches, informs, and transforms artistic identity.

In a broader sense, this explores whether immersing oneself in survival-mode environments could sharpen artistic instincts. Could challenging one's limits — through intense creative projects or unconventional experiences — lead to artistic breakthroughs?

Beyond Survival: Evolution, Art, and Society

In modern society, survival is no longer a daily struggle. Compared to our ancestors, life today is structured, predictable, and filled with safety nets. Yet across the globe, many still live in true survival mode, fleeing war, poverty, and displacement. How does this contrast shape artistic expression? Can the absence of danger lead to complacency, while struggle fuels creativity? Historically, some of the most powerful artistic movements have emerged from periods of instability, reflecting the tension between security and survival. Much like yeast colonies, societies thrive under ideal conditions but stagnate when resources decline. Civilization itself can be seen as an ongoing balancing act between innovation and sustainability, creativity and survival.

So in summary, understanding the primitive brain allows us to uncover deeper insights into decision-making, creativity, and human interaction. Whether applied to art, leadership, or societal evolution, the principles offer a new lens to view the world—and our place within it.

How do you see the link between art and with our primitive brain? Happy to hear your reactions 😊 …

*** Your thoughts and reactions are welcome on Instagram***

Reference art work for this blogpost: cave paintings from Lascaux, they are a direct representation of early human survival instincts expressed through art.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'The Art Of Mind' - An Artistic Reflection Framework

Coming up next: Episode 4 – The Emotional Brain (expected 23/05/2025)

Check out my previous blogs:
Episode 1 – Introduction
Episode 2 – The Brain Link

Want to follow 'A Taste of Art' experience?
Subscribe, keep being informed or get in contact!

© De Kunst Proeverij (DKP) (A Taste of Art) – Bruno Hoste

'The Art of Mind': blog homepage