Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, 2022
BA Fine Arts
This thesis explores the theory that love can act as ‘a gateway drug’ and if so, a ‘gateway’ to what exactly? ‘Being in love’ is a complex condition which induces a number of psychoactive responses in the brain these affect all parts of the body, including the DNA. These chemical reactions within the brain are comparable to those involved in drug addiction, as both stimulate the reward pathways in the brain. This thesis reviews the chemical processes which mirror the responses of other pleasure stimuli and mimic the brain chemistry patterns of drug addiction. The study also explores how developing technologies can influence ‘love’ and how these are affecting human evolution and the reproductive drive. I conducted this research in order to inform my artistic practice. The process of writing here has given me a foundation of knowledge which can be transmuted into my artistic process.
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