Ellen Dissanayake
1 book
About the Author
Ellen Dissanayake is an independent scholar whose interdisciplinary research explores the evolutionary origins and functions of art in human societies. Drawing on anthropology, psychology, and aesthetics, she argues that artistic behavior is a fundamental biological necessity rather than a cultural luxury. Her work challenges conventional definitions of art by examining its role in ritual, emotion, and social bonding across diverse cultures and historical periods. Through clear, accessible prose she bridges academic and general audiences, inviting readers to reconsider why humans make and engage with art.
Common genres
Writing style
interdisciplinary
accessible
argumentative
Books by Ellen Dissanayake
