Why is art so important for our psyche?

Frau lesend in der SBB mit Buch am Zürichsee von Ekaterina More

Why is art so important for our psyche?

Art and our psyche –

Both go hand in hand

The blue of the sea can be seen in a painting – and a touch of longing drifts through the room. Colorful pictures make us smile, while abstract dark lines make us pensive. Art can do a lot and is much more than just a chic interior detail. Art influences our feelings. It can radiate positive impulses, but unfortunately also make us feel sad and gloomy. That's why it's very important that we consciously choose the pictures we surround ourselves with and not let others influence us. Everyone has their own understanding of art. It's important that we feel comfortable when we first look at a picture, smile unconsciously, and perhaps even feel a touch of happiness. Then we feel the positive impulses of art and can rely on them in the future.

 

Do colorful pictures make you happy?

Many bright colors make you happy. This has been known for a long time and is deliberately used, for example, in hospitals or kindergartens. The special aesthetic of many bright colors that harmonize with each other cannot be surpassed. It hardly matters whether the motif is figurative or abstract. Nevertheless, the motif itself naturally plays a major role even with bright colors. "The Scream" by Edvard Munch, for example, is a distinctly colorful painting. Nevertheless, no one would think of calling it a cheerful picture. The skull-like head, the "scream," signals fear and despair. A painting of this kind, despite the strong colors, makes one sad and thoughtful. This combination – dramatic motif and bright colors – is, however, extremely rare.

 

Which pictures have positive impulses?

What we react positively to is extremely individual and depends on our dreams and wishes. Some feel comfortable when the pictures show landscapes. Others prefer flowers and animals or happy and laughing people. Many also like it abstract and react exclusively to colors and shapes. Most also find it extremely important that the art matches the style of the house and elegantly complements the interior design. Many factors therefore play a role in the search for the right picture. Unfortunately, the aesthetics of the picture sometimes take a back seat here.

 

One should never forget that art influences the psyche. The effect, however, is not loud and clear. It is subtle and very fine. In museums and galleries, one always sees people sitting for a long time on a chair or bench, quietly contemplating a work of art. They are lost in thought. They listen to themselves and are looking for the individual effect of the picture. One can only learn from these art lovers, because those who take this time will also find the right pictures for their private environment.

 

Small color theory 

Unfortunately, an understanding of art also has to be learned. Many are unsure and rely on consultants when buying. That's a shame, because actually only one's own feelings count. If you are unsure, you can limit yourself to a guaranteed cheerful motif when choosing. At the same time, color theory can be a useful guide. Because although we react very differently to art, all colors have a similar effect on all people. We instinctively distinguish between cold and warm colors, between calming and activating ones. Red and orange are colors full of signaling effects. They signal energy, passion, and joy. Bright yellow makes you happy and reminds you of sunshine, but depending on the shade, it can also signal envy or poison. Green stands for naturalness and relaxation. Blue for still water and the vast sky. However, blue can also appear very cold and make you sad. If you want to be absolutely sure, go for a colorful mix. Because here, joie de vivre is guaranteed.

 

This article might also be of interest to you: My Journey as an Artist: A Path of Self-Discovery and Creativity.

Online Gallery

Be sure to check out my online gallery and discover which motifs appeal to you most!