FAQ

WHAT IS THE DOPAMINE EXHIBIT?

In January 2023, 30+ Nashville artists were sent the same prompt:

“Happy New Year, you have one month, from now until Feb 1, 2023, to create a piece inspired by the prompt below.

DOPAMINE: PAIN VS PLEASURE (A study on the human brain)

Explore the relationship between dopamine and pleasure versus pain. You may choose to focus on a specific aspect of this relationship, such as the role of dopamine in addiction or the role of dopamine in chronic pain conditions. Alternatively, you may take a more broad approach and examine the emotional and artistic impact of dopamine. The goal of this project is to conceptualize and showcase a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between dopamine, pleasure, and pain, and to explore the implications of this relationship for human behavior and health.”

  • Dopamine plays a huge role in the human experience, regardless of our conscious knowledge of it. In the years following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have experienced a collective sense of relief as a society and many have indulged in a greater level of pleasure than we previously had. What follows the pleasure of dopamine? Pain, which can also look like a recession. 

    Many studies have shown that in a cycle of addiction, the user will chase whatever fantasy or action promises the experience of pleasure. When almost always, the resolution is in fact pain. Inadvertently, this brings up questions that rarely have a definitive answer. If in fact the things that bring up pleasure ultimately end in pain, are we actually chasing the feeling of pain? Is it easier to live in a state of pain and shame from an addiction cycle than to face our trauma and heartbreak? 

    The role of dopamine also plays a role in chronic pain. When we neglect our mental health, illness can manifest in physical symptoms. 

    The goal of DOPAMINE: Pain vs. Pleasure is to invoke raw conversation surrounding the pain and pleasure we all experience in our lifetime. As a society, we crave short-term highs, as a means to avoid the pain we have endured. Pleasure can look like social media addiction, alcoholism, substance abuse, love addiction, and more. 

    If we can enter into the dialogue about these issues in a raw, authentic way, we can create a space and community to support one another. 

  • All works were completed in January 2023 for a specific prompt. Join the mailing list and follow our socials to be the first to know of future events. 

  • We are fundraising for the event now! There are various elements of the exhibit that require financial contribution (venue, displays, set up, etc.) and we are in need of both individual and corporate sponsors. All donations will go through Nashville Angels via 501(c)3, which will be tax deductible. Check back for a link to make individual donations soon. If you are a business wishing to sponsor this event please reach out to info@dopamineexhibit.com for our sponsor packet and more information.

    We are also accepting collaborations/partner that fit the theme and goal of the event! If you have a service (venue, food/beverage, addiction resources, etc) that you’re interested in showcasing or offering during the exhibit, email us at info@dopamineexhibit.com.