Enhancing mental well-being through AI-generated art: Insights from EEG responses to Refik Anadol’s unsupervised at MoMA

Abstract

Art therapy has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing mental health and emotional well-being. This study explores the therapeutic potential of engaging with AI-generated art by examining the neural and emotional responses elicited by Refik Anadol’s immersive installation, Unsupervised, at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Thirty-one participants experienced a 20-minute session divided into four segments, during which their emotional states were assessed using self-reported questionnaires on valence and arousal, and their brain activity was monitored via EEG. Findings revealed significant increases in pleasure (d = 1.6) and excitement (d =.68) post-exposure, indicating enhanced positive affect. EEG data showed reduced gamma power in posterior brain regions and increased gamma power in anterior regions among those who reported an aesthetic experience (AE). Additionally, changes in Frontal Alpha Asymmetry (FAA), a marker associated with emotional and motivational states, correlated strongly with self-reported well-being (r = .65, p = .0005). These results suggest that AI-generated art can positively influence mood and emotional states, supporting its potential use as a tool in art therapy to promote mental health. This study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating physiological measures in naturalistic settings like museums, paving the way for future applications of art therapy in diverse environments to enhance psychological well-being.