Art Beyond Aesthetics: The Surprising Benefits Of Surrounding Yourself With Art
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By PAGE Editor
Art is a difficult-to-define concept. There are varying views, interpretations, and understanding of what art is and is not within the artistic community which often leads to all sorts of controversies and debates that never seem to reach a conclusion.
The lack of consensus on art’s definition is not surprising given that the artistic process and art in itself imply a highly subjective experience that cannot be measured, quantified, or labelled. Think about how many times you’ve sat in front of an art piece, unable to put into words the feelings and sensations it’s conjured.
Art is not an exact science and has taken on many forms across cultures and time periods, being just as diverse and complex as the people who created it and the world we live in. For this very reason, it is often said that the meaning of art lies in the eyes of the beholder. The fact that art can signify different things to different people is best demonstrated by abstract artworks which give rise to myriad interpretations, depending on each viewer’s personal experiences.
Despite art’s fluid and vague nature, most people tend to equate it with visual appeal, thinking that art pieces are not meant to serve any practical purpose beyond being a form of expression that fills out empty spaces and brings beauty into our lives.
However, there’s a lot more to art objects than meets the eye. Art, regardless of medium or form, is not limited to aesthetics; it has a hidden power that manifests in subtle and sometimes unexpected ways and can therefore provide numerous benefits that many may not be aware of.
Relieves stress and anxiety
In today’s hectic world, we’re all leading a never-ending battle against stress and anxiety. Since it’s virtually impossible to avoid getting stressed, the best thing you can do is learn how to manage it and prevent it from taking over your life. There are various methods people employ to reduce stress and anxiety, such as meditation, deep breathing techniques, or regular workouts.
But did you know that art can also serve as an effective stress reliever? Since art has the ability to enhance the ambience of any space and create an emotional connection with viewers, you can use different art pieces to turn your house into an oasis of peace and comfort that shields you from everyday worries, allowing you to recharge your batteries and soothe your senses.
Paintings and photos can be particularly effective in this respect, and they don’t have to be expensive either. Look for pieces that evoke positive emotions and provide a visual escape from the daily grind such as soothing landscapes or photos that bring back good memories. You can discover entire collections of photography for sale online and decorate your whole house with images that promote a sense of calm and tranquillity, so you can keep stress at bay in an artsy way.
Stimulates your brain
A house with minimal or no decorations that looks impersonal and sterile can leave your mind feeling just as vacant and inert as its blank walls. Even if you are a fan of the minimalist style in interior design, if you take this love for the less is more philosophy to an extreme, you may end up creating a living space that lacks personality and interest and is not in the least conducive to mental stimulation.
The human brain needs visual diversity to put its wheels into motion and stay sharp. That’s why putting artwork on display throughout your house can be a good idea if you want to stay mentally active. Due to the strong effect that art has on our minds, the level of mental activity increases when you look at an art piece, especially those that capture your interest. So, by integrating art in your home, you’re not just creating a pleasant environment but you’re also giving your brain a mild workout which can contribute to improved memory and cognition in the long run.
Encourages creativity and inspiration
In a similar vein, the positive impact that art has on the brain can also extend to boosting creativity and finding inspiration. When everything around you seems dull and uninteresting, and you seem stuck in a routine that brings you no joy, art can provide a much-needed pop of colour, sometimes in the most literal sense of the word, and wake you up from your existential slumber, encouraging the flow of new ideas.
Ironically enough, if you’re an artist yourself and happen to struggle with finding motivation and inspiration, the mere presence of art in your environment can provide the cure by flipping the creative switch in your brain and helping you overcome your block. So, next time you’re running dry on ideas, consider a visit to a museum or an art exhibition to get unstuck.
Promotes empathy and social connection
Another irony that the art world serves us is that while artists are often regarded as lone wolves who have to distance themselves from a world that doesn’t understand them, their works have the power to bring people together and foster social connection.
When you admire an art piece that impresses you, you feel the need to share your thoughts and feelings with others. Therefore, art can stir up deep discussions, being a catalyst for conversation and the exchange of ideas. Being exposed to art also allows you to take in new and diverse perspectives, broadening your intellectual, emotional, and spiritual horizons.
As you can see, there are more than enough arguments that make the case for bringing art into your life, in whatever form you may prefer. Tapping into art’s potential can be a very effective and accessible way to improve your well-being and quality of life.
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