The Materiality of Thought : From Theatrical Mentalism to Brainwear.

Nolan, Stuart and Gere, Charlie (2024) The Materiality of Thought : From Theatrical Mentalism to Brainwear. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

This PhD study responds to a call for the development of an approach to NeuroArt that engages critically with developments in neuroscience. Archival research is used to demonstrate that Theatrical Mentalism is a neglected performance artform that has historically engaged with prevailing notions of the potential of the human brain. The historical research reveals how late 19th and early 20th century performers of Theatrical Mentalism interacted with the philosophical/spiritual New Thought movement, which had a great influence on the development of modern-day ideas concerning the power of the human brain. Theatrical Mentalism is therefore proposed as a suitable artform for developing Critical NeuroArt. The research then used an Autobiology method to conduct a year-long autoethnographic study of the use of a direct-to-consumer EEG wearable (Brainwear). Autobiology is a method for creating performance art responses to the use of technology to view one’s own internal biological organs and systems. The creative responses to the use of Brainwear take the form of scripts for performances of Theatrical Mentalism. These scripts are discussed, and comparisons are made between Theatrical Mentalism and the use of Brainwear. The research finds that Theatrical Mentalism has been neglected by academia, and further research into its links with New Thought is planned. Brainwear can be usefully situated in the history of a New Thought Mentalism that believes that the human brain can, and should, be developed to be capable of extraordinary abilities. In this view, Brainwear can be read as a device for practising Neurotechnological Mentalism. Further work to relate this to post- and trans-humanist movements is suggested. Theatrical Mentalism is a popular performance practice that continues to dramatise New Thought Mentalism and should, therefore, be recruited to Critical NeuroArt.