Culture

Aphantasia is increasingly shaping cultural narratives, appearing in literature, music, film, television, and art. As awareness grows, more creators are incorporating their aphantasic experiences into their work. This emerging cultural presence reflects both individual experiences and collective perspectives, contributing to broader conversations about neurodiversity and human consciousness. The aphantasia community's shared experiences are forging new artistic expressions and cultural dialogues. On this page, you'll find examples of aphantasia in media, artistic works by aphantasic creators, and discussions about its growing impact on culture.

Ekphrasis: The Ancient Art of Evoking Vivid Mental Images
Article

Ekphrasis: The Ancient Art of Evoking Vivid Mental Images

Did the ancient Greeks know some people can’t create mental images? The forgotten history of ekphrasis challenges our assumptions about imagination and offers surprising insights into our image-saturated world.

about 1 year agoby Jennifer McDougall
Eclipsing Aphantasia: A Journey of Discovery and Memory from the 1963 Solar Eclipse
Article

Eclipsing Aphantasia: A Journey of Discovery and Memory from the 1963 Solar Eclipse

In July 1963, Alice Grebanier's observation of a total solar eclipse marked a pivotal moment in her life. This event, merging scientific discovery with profound reflections on memory and emotion, showcases how moments of discovery can eclipse the limitations of memory recall in aphantasia.

over 1 year agoby Jennifer McDougall and
Discussion

Why I Love Disneyland

over 1 year agoMichael

Disneyland memories come alive in the moment for me, but I can't revisit them mentally. It's bittersweet yet beautifully unique.

Discussion

Podcasts and Audio Dramas

over 1 year agoSierra

Are audio stories better for those who struggle with visualization? Share your thoughts on what makes podcasts and audio dramas engaging!

The Aphantasia Stamp—Do You Blame Aphantasia for Your Perceived Shortcomings?
Article

The Aphantasia Stamp—Do You Blame Aphantasia for Your Perceived Shortcomings?

How I used a metaphorical aphantasia stamp to explain all of my perceived shortcomings.

almost 2 years agoby Michael Swanson
John Green Aphantasia Discovery: Shining a Light on the Mind's Eye
Article

John Green Aphantasia Discovery: Shining a Light on the Mind's Eye

Best-selling author discovers aphantasia. Discover the buzz behind John Green aphantasia discovery and its significance in the community.

almost 2 years agoby Aphantasia Network and
What's It Like To Be A Neuroscientist With Aphantasia? Interview with Dr. Mac Shine
Video

What's It Like To Be A Neuroscientist With Aphantasia? Interview with Dr. Mac Shine

Neuroscientist Mac Shine delves into aphantasia—a condition he personally experiences—to challenge conventional views on perception, explore the neuroscience of imagination, and draw unexpected parallels between the cognitive functions of aphantasics and large language models like ChatGPT-4.

about 2 years ago
Discussion

When people say people with aphantasia have no imagination…

over 2 years agoTrish

Imagination takes many forms; it's not about visualizing but creating rich narratives and coping without reliving trauma.

Discussion

community in Scotland

over 2 years agoKate

Looking to connect with fellow individuals in Scotland to collaborate on awareness initiatives and share experiences!

Discussion

Homesickness and aphantasia?

over 2 years agoLorilana

Can a unique mental experience influence feelings of homesickness, especially when transitioning to a new life far from family?

World's First Aphantasia Awareness Day
Article

World's First Aphantasia Awareness Day

The city of Rowlett, a suburb of Dallas, Texas, declares the world’s first Aphantasia Awareness Day on February 21, 2023.

over 2 years agoby Jennifer McDougall and
Discussion

What does ChatGPT know about Aphantasia?

almost 3 years agoDaan

What advantages might come from not visualizing mentally? Share your insights on focus, creativity, and verbal skills!

Discussion

Collecting and Aphantasia

over 3 years agoJoe

Does your way of thinking influence your collecting habits? How do you express creativity when visuals aren't part of your imagination?

Discussion

Vacations and Aphantasia

over 3 years agoEric

Do you find vacations less enjoyable or memorable? What types of trips resonate with you, and how do you reflect on those experiences?

Discussion

Recent VOX Podcast

over 3 years agoRobin

Feeling impacted by the podcast's portrayal, I'm curious if others felt similarly and what thoughts on research or treatment emerged.

Making Aphantasia Better Known Around the World
Article

Making Aphantasia Better Known Around the World

Many pieces of the aphantasia puzzle are still missing, and that is why we need more books, more studies, more art… and more answers.

about 4 years agoby Charlotte Langlais
Discussion

Searching for a term for "person with aphantasia"

over 4 years agoShannon

What term resonates best for those like us navigating aphantasia? Share your thoughts on person-first vs. identity-first language!

I Learned About Aphantasia from Space Force
Article

I Learned About Aphantasia from Space Force

First-ever pop culture reference to aphantasia from Space Force on Netflix.

over 4 years agoby Chris Abraham
I Spent a Day with Aphantasics (People Without a Mind's Eye)
Video

I Spent a Day with Aphantasics (People Without a Mind's Eye)

YouTuber, Anthony Padilla spends a day with aphantasics. Featuring Founder of the Aphantasia Network, Tom Ebeyer and artists AmyRightMeow and Katherine Yaochen Du.

over 4 years ago
Discussion

Shouldn't we have a global aphantasia awareness day?

over 4 years agoRaik

Imagine using Black Friday to highlight cognitive diversity with a playful twist—an awareness day to celebrate unique minds!