The culmination of a research project in our Department of Engineering that saw Argentinian artist Mariano Molina spend five months working with a leading neuroscientist, the exhibition explores principles of visual perception identified through neuroscience. Held at Embrace Arts until 27 January, ‘The Art of Visual Perception’ aims to explain in an engaging way neuroscience principles of how we see, not to mention provide visitors with some unique artwork.

'Out of Control I' (designed to be viewed with 3D glasses).

Tomorrow (Thursday 12 January 2012), Professor Rodrigo Quian Quiroga will be discussing some of these principles and the work that his collaboration with Mariano produced at a preview party at Embrace Arts at 6.00pm.

Professor Quiroga is internationally renowned for his work on neurons and their functions, attracting great deal of attention for identifying a type of neuron that fires at the sight of familiar faces – Jennifer Aniston, for instance. More recently, he has been working with colleagues in our School of Museum Studies on how we perceive art and how it provides insights into the science of the brain. As of January, he holds a Research Chair at the University of Leicester and he is the director of the newly created Bioengineering Research Centre.

'Pollock's Space'

Mariano Molina comes from Buenos Aires in Argentina, studying at the National School of Fine Arts and at Luis Felipe Noe’s workshop in his home country. He has received a long list of prizes, awards and residencies in England, Argentina, the USA, Denmark, Bolivia and Canada, and his work in solo and group exhibitions around the world has been internationally acclaimed.

‘The Art of Visual Perception’ will be on display at Embrace Arts until 27 January. Entry is free and it is open from 10.00am to 6.00pm on weekdays (call 0116 252 2455 in advance for weekend opening times).

• University Press Release