Why Art and Emotion Go Hand In Hand

 

Every time you pick up your pencil, dip your brush into paint, or chip away at a piece of wood or rock, you’re making emotional art. An artist attempts to develop a connection with their audience through various channels. They use selected colors, communicate through subconscious symbols, or represent specific scenes to convey their message to viewers as the artist themselves sees it.

Past research suggested that our aesthetic and emotional response to art is based on basic stimulus, but more recent research finds that our responses run much deeper. Here’s all you need to know:

We’re hard-wired

When humans first look at images, they use a different part of their brain to process the information displayed to their eyes. This happens in three stages—confusion as we attempt to work out what’s being represented in that piece of art, identification followed by relief as pleasure centers get triggered in the brain, ending with assigning a meaning to the picture to get some sort of emotional response.

In this scenario, we might be drawing on similar emotional responses as our ancestors.

Symmetry and emotion

Symmetry is a rather prominent feature in art—our brains are programmed to search it out. When our cave-dwelling ancestors were avoiding predators, finding mates, or chasing their prey, they looked out for symmetry to aid them in making decisions. This is why it’s said that the most beautiful people have some of the most symmetrical facial features.

Wide spaces and happiness

Taking a walk on the beach by yourself or standing on a mountain top can make you feel a deep sense of calmness. Certain pieces of art have the capability of inspiring similar emotions due to our prehistoric roots. Our ancestors were aware that having an open and clear view is good since they could travel more safely without worrying about getting attacked by predators.

Similarly, bright paintings that feature open spaces elicit feelings of contentment or relaxation, while dark and oppressive pieces can make us feel anxious.

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