The Psychology of Art

If we listen to the art of music to cheer us up, help us relax, dance and enjoy time on our own or with loved ones, then surely tangible forms of art such as paintings and sculptures will have the same emotional affect?

Cultural historians have come to believe that art is the new religion and museums are the new cathedrals. Could that really be the case? Lets explore this notion a little further…

Religion has been on the decline since the turn of the 19th century, less of the newer generations are choosing to actively participate in faith. Culture has somewhat taken its place.

So where do people now go when they feel frustrated, stressed and need to feel a sense of morality and dignity from the ups and downs of everyday life?

John Ruskin argued that culture could replace scripture. Novels, essays, poetry and paintings could fill the void left from the departure of religion.

However, if you turned up at any of today’s most loved cultural institutions and told them that you were feeling low, depressed and came to find solace – chances are that the police would arrive to help escort you to the nearest mental institute for assessment!

Humans are an incredibly fragile and sensitive race, every single one of us needs support, be it emotionally or physically. Culture & art can therefore help support us in our lives. Art can most certainly be a form of self help.

Mark Rothko once described his art as representations of his own sadness, he said “I have sadness in me, you have sadness in you and when we meet and face each other (through his paintings) we will both then feel less sad”. In essence Rothko recognised the therapeutic effects of creating his art and believed that his work would also help others.

Art should be recognised for its true purpose, to make us smile, face our worries, fears and to question our deepest thoughts. Many artworks today challenge humanity, politics and religion – art itself should be propaganda but not for the social constructs which hold our world together, but for psychology.

So in what ways is art beneficial psychologically?

• Art captures moments which the human mind will forget.
• The significance of what is being captured lends value to the artwork itself.
• Art “touches” on things that we cannot otherwise put a finger on.
• Art holds our experiences and our emotions.
• Art gives us hope.
• Art opens our minds.
• Art makes us smile.

…And as much as “sad” art can speak to us, so can “beautiful” and “happy” art. Paintings of flowers, happy subjects, scenery and abstract paintings which use just the right colour tones all have a way of tapping into our psyche. 

There is no argument that art can and does affect the human psychology.

I represent artists whose work speaks to us psychologically. I believe that each and every one of the artists we work with dig deep in the creation of their artworks so that you may see and feel how they do. Learn more about our artists here.