The eigengrau phenomenon, also known as "intrinsic gray" or "ubiquitous black", is a fascinating concept that addresses the hallucinatory color we perceive when closing our eyes in complete darkness. This color spectrum, which can vary in shades from very dark gray to absolute black, has intrigued scientists, philosophers and artists throughout history.
Origin and meaning of the term
The term "eigengrau" comes from German and literally translates as "intrinsic gray". It was coined in the 19th century by German scientists to describe the color we perceive when no visible light is present. This phenomenon occurs in the absence of external light and is generated by neuronal activity in the brain.
The perception of eigengrau is a reminder of the subjective nature of our sensory experience. Although we usually associate black with the absence of color, in reality, eigengrau shows us that our brain continues to generate visual perceptions even in complete darkness.
The perception of eigengrau
When we close eyes in a completely dark environment, eigengrau manifests itself as a uniform color that seems to fill our visual field. Although it is commonly described as dark gray or black, the exact perception of eigengrau can vary from person to person and is influenced by factors such as age, eye health, and light sensitivity.
The studies Scientists suggest that the human brain continues to generate neuronal activity even in the absence of external visual stimuli. This activity generates the perception of eigengrau, which may include flashes of lights, fleeting patterns or abstract shapes in some individuals.
Neural mechanisms of eigengrau
To better understand why we perceive eigengrau When closing your eyes, it is necessary to analyze the neural processes involved in the generation of this internal visual experience. The visual cortex of the brain continues to receive signals from the ocular regions, even when the eyes are closed, which activates color perception in total darkness.
In addition, neuronal plasticity and the interaction of the Neural networks in the brain contribute to the creation of visual patterns during the waking state, which can influence the perception of eigengrau in the absence of external visual stimuli. This phenomenon illustrates the brain's astonishing ability to generate complex visual and perceptual experiences, even under conditions of sensory deprivation.
Philosophical and artistic implications
The eigengrau has captured the imagination of philosophers and artists throughout history due to its philosophical implications on the nature of perception and reality. Since ancient times, it has been debated whether color perception is an intrinsic property of objects or a sensory construction of the brain.
In the artistic field, eigengrau has inspired works that explore the relationship between light , color and visual perception. Contemporary artists have used the eigengrau as a metaphor for the subjectivity of visual experience and have created installations and multimedia works that challenge traditional notions of aesthetic perception.
Final reflections
The eigengrau invites us to reflect on the complexity of human perception and the way our brain interprets the world through visual experience. This phenomenon reveals the brain's ability to create visual perceptions even in the absence of external stimuli, underscoring the active and constructive nature of our sensory experience.
Exploring eigengrau not only expands our understanding of perception and consciousness, but also challenges us to question our assumptions about the objective reality and subjectivity of visual experience. By closing our eyes and plunging into the darkness, we can contemplate the depth and richness of our own visual perception, marked by the mysterious and evocative color of eigengrau.