Beyond the Blobs: Critical Perspectives on Visualizing the Psychedelic Brain

This interdisciplinary panel brings together experts in neuroscience, science communication, and visual arts to critically examine how we represent, interpret, and communicate psychedelic effects on the brain. Moving beyond “brain blobs” we’ll explore the intersection of scientific accuracy and artistic interpretation in neuroimaging, while considering the broader implications for public understanding and policy. The panel will open up questions like: What do psychedelic brain images actually show—and what do they hide? What choices shape these visuals? How do images influence the science, funding, and cultural perception of psychedelics? Is there distinct “psychedelic brain imaging” or simply “brain imaging” and how do these tools neuroscientists use actually translate the information? Panelists will provide a visual history primer of psychedelic neuroscience, examining how visualization methods have evolved from early anatomical drawings to data using modern implements. We’ll explore the gap between scientific reality and public interpretation over the years through the aesthetics that have endured. We’ll look at how artistic and scientific interpretations of neural activity shape our perception and choice, while considering future directions for more nuanced communication around psychedelic brain science.