Art As Adding Vibrancy To Our Lives

Art has always been a constant in mankind, from cave paintings to the Great Pyramids of Giza. The imprint of art has been indelibly woven into the fabric of human existence and is now something we may take for granted. We go to art galleries, do art jamming - but we do not realise how art significantly enrich our lives. Let us see the many different ways art can influence our hearts and minds!

Aesthetic

Art is designed to be an emotive experience. Certain chords are picked for music, certain colours are used to paint a picture. Through such deliberate decisions, the audience feels specific emotions. Have you ever felt moved to tears listening to a song? This is how art engages people as it creates a space for us to understand ourselves better. Scientifically, the stimuli from art spurs our unconscious brain functions as we process art (UAGC, 2021). In this way, interacting with art helps us to better refine our emotions and improve the quality of life!

Cultural 

Art has always been a medium to preserve stories and tradition. The best illustration of art acting as a collective memory can be seen in museums, where we can see how life decades ago is captured by our ancestors (Jangid, 2022). It serves as a connection to our past, allowing us to learn more about our country’s history and strengthening our national identity. Traditional art can inspire us even in the present, allowing us to become more anchored as citizens of our country. 

Stress relief

Apart from being an observer, we can also create art by ourselves! We are all no stranger to the glaring monster that is stress, but how can we better manage it? Art can be one of the answers to our problems! Art making at any skill level can reduce our cortisol levels and at the same time, boost our self-esteem and provide us with feelings of satisfaction (Loeuy, 2022). 

The value that art brings to our lives can start today by intentionally incorporate it into your life! Happy exploring!

Written by: Shernice Feng

02/2024

References

Jangid, S. (2022, April 7). The significant role of art in shaping our society - Chitkara University. Chitkara University | Blogs. https://www.chitkara.edu.in/blogs/the-significant-role-of-art-in-shaping-our-society/  

Loeuy, K. J. (2022, April 11). Art for self-care and mental health. Art for Self-Care and Mental Health. https://thewholeu.uw.edu/2022/04/11/art-for-self-care-and-mental-health/ 

University of Arizona Global Campus. (2021, December 8). How Looking at Art Can Help Your brain. UAGC https://www.uagc.edu/blog/how-looking-at-art-can-help-your-brain