Study Finds Visual Art Evokes Feelings in the Body!

A recent study established the link between visual art with increased feelings in the body. The research participants viewed different kinds of artwork and described the feelings that art stimulated in their bodies.

Almost 1186 people from different countries participated in the study. The feelings and emotions were assessed by over 300 artworks. The research was conducted with online surveys and eye movement recordings in the laboratory.

Importance of Visual Art in Human Life!

Visual art has been an integral part of human life since ancient times. From cave paintings to modern-day masterpieces, art has been used to express ideas, emotions, and beliefs.

The importance of visual art in human life lies in its ability to communicate with a range of human experiences and emotions. Through art, we can see the world from different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet are two prominent figures in the history of visual artists whose work continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.

Van Gogh’s use of bold colors and expressive brushstrokes in paintings such as “Starry Night” and “Sunflowers” captured the intensity of his emotions and made him one of the most iconic artists ever.

Monet’s impressionist style, characterized by his use of light and color to capture the beauty of nature, revolutionized the art world and influenced a generation of artists.

Both artists used their work to express their unique perspectives on the world around them, which serves as a testament to the enduring importance of visual art in human life, inspiring and enriching our experiences for generations to come.

The latest study revealed art’s link with emotions and feelings about how aesthetic art can impact the body’s emotional response.

How Visual Art Has the Power to Evoke Feelings?

Visual art can evoke a wide range of feelings and emotions in its viewers. Here are a few ways that it can achieve this when you look at an artwork:

Color

Colors can affect our moods and emotions. Artists use color to create different moods and emotions in their artwork.

For example, warm colors such as red and orange can evoke passion and energy, while cool colors such as blue and green can create a sense of calmness and relaxation.

Composition

The way the artwork is composed can also evoke emotions. For example, a composition that is symmetrical and balanced can create a sense of harmony and stability. On the other hand, the asymmetrical and unbalanced compositions can create a sense of tension and unease.

Subject matter

The subject matter of artwork can also evoke emotions. For example, a painting of a beautiful landscape can evoke feelings of peace and tranquility, while a war-torn city can evoke feelings of sadness and despair.

Texture

The texture is another element that can evoke emotions in art. Rough textures can create a sense of tension and unease, while smooth ones can provide a sense of calmness and relaxation.

Style

The style of artwork can also evoke emotions. For example, abstract art can create a sense of mystery and intrigue, while realistic art can create a sense of familiarity and comfort.

What Did the Study Reveal?

The study participants examined various types of artwork and discussed the bodily sensations that the art elicited.

While the subjects looked at the artwork, the researchers observed the subjects’ eye movements. The participants also evaluated the emotions that each work of art elicited. The researcher says the participants experienced many feelings and emotions after viewing the paintings.

Even though several of the artworks dealt with depressing or frightening subjects, most people only felt happy emotions when reading them. Empirical studies also suggest that art promotes psychological well-being and improves health.

According to the research, “the bodily sensations evoked by art also contributed to the emotions; the stronger the body’s reaction to the artwork, the stronger the subject’s feelings were.”

In the artworks presented, human beings were the most intriguing and frequently viewed subject. It depicts identifying with another person’s emotions when we look at human figures in the artwork. Researchers implied that the observer might absorb the human emotions manifested in the artwork through a process known as mirroring.

Bottom Line!

Overall, the study concluded that the aesthetic experience significantly impacts our bodies. People may be drawn to art by bodily sensations because it stimulates the viewer’s pleasure centres and causes them to feel good.

That’s why psychologists utilize art in mental health rehabilitation and care centres to elicit emotions and physical sensations. Healthwire, an online healthcare platform, can help you understand the importance of the psychology of art for human brain health.