Artworks are physical expressions of thoughts and emotions that appeal to our senses. They may be a depiction of an object, scene or feeling or they can represent an abstract concept. Art has the potential to improve a person’s entire wellbeing, including the physical, mental and emotional elements of their being. Art can be used to promote and encourage creativity in children and adults, enhance problem-solving skills, help people relax and even make them feel happier.
When a person views an artwork, the brain responds by creating what’s called a flow state. This involves the release of dopamine and is associated with a sense of well-being. Art can trigger this feeling by causing our brains to engage in activities that stimulate these dopamine receptors such as learning a new language, playing sports or completing a puzzle.
During the flow state, our brains become more active and this helps us learn, problem-solve, concentrate and focus. It also leads to feelings of self-awareness, pride and accomplishment. This is why creating art can be so beneficial to mental health. Art can be created through a variety of mediums such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and digital art. It can also be found in a variety of environments such as museums, galleries, healthcare and school settings.
What is the artist’s purpose in creating this artwork? Do they want to express themselves, share a message or inspire others? While some artists simply want to communicate a personal experience, they often produce art with the audience’s consumption in mind. They want other people to feel the plethora of emotions, learn something new or get inspired.
For example, Mark Rothko’s large canvases with illogical shades and gestures of red and black weren’t a quick decision; he spent many years developing this style to detach the viewer’s perception and emotions.
Artworks have a lot of meanings in different cultures. Some art may have a religious or spiritual significance, but most of the time it is part of a cultural context that is constantly evolving and changing over generations.
This makes interpreting art challenging because it is not easy to understand the thought process behind a particular piece of work. It is also difficult to understand how other people respond to the same artwork because of individual perspectives and experiences.
For example, a person’s emotional response to an artwork is influenced by their own upbringing, family and relationships, beliefs and interests, which all influence the way that they interpret it. Additionally, if a person has been exposed to the same artwork through various media sources such as postcards, internet or books it can be hard to distinguish how the artist intended their work to be interpreted and perceived. Therefore, it is recommended to view an artwork in its actual location and try to capture its original context.