Art is a perspective—a lens through which we see the boundless. To one eye, it might carry a certain meaning; to another, it holds an entirely different truth. It’s the kind of thing that makes you pause, wondering: Why have I interpreted it this way? Does it whisper something deeper, something hidden? Or is it simply the first thought that came to you, no more and no less? Perhaps this question has lingered in your mind, just as it has in mine. And after much thought, I’ve come to believe it can be both. Art is not confined; it is vast and open, as free as the sky after a storm. It isn’t crafted for one soul alone but for all of us, collectively.
There’s a saying I often reflect on: Ubuntu—“I am because you are.” The full phrase, “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” speaks even louder: A person is a person through other people. And that, for me, is the essence of art. We are here, together, as witnesses to its beauty, its chaos, its questions. We watch, we feel, and each of us decides what it stirs within us. Yet, somehow, in this solitary process, there is connection. Sometimes, our thoughts align, our feelings resonate, and in that shared experience, we find each other. Art is the silent thread between us, weaving us into a collective understanding. It’s the way we make sense of ourselves, through the eyes of another, through the echo of a brushstroke, through the stillness of a sculpture. And sometimes, just sometimes, it’s the way we remind ourselves that we are never truly alone.
Isn’t it interesting that this may be interpreted from a psychological perspective? In all of its expressions, art is a powerful mirror reflecting our inner selves, exposing our feelings, ideas, and even our subconscious desires. Every perception we make of a piece of art is shaped by our individual experiences and psychological compositions, which leads us to look into the reasons for our fondness for particular colors or themes. According to psychological theories that stress the subjectivity of perception, our emotional reactions to art may reveal information about our mental health and past experiences (Silvia, 2005) Additionally, creating art can lead to emotional release, which enables us to face emotions that might be hard to express and promotes emotional recovery and self-discovery (Lloyd et al., 2007)
The brain’s mirror neurons, which are in charge of empathy, are activated when people engage with art (Piechowski-Jozwiak et al., 2017). This enables them to identify with the feelings conveyed and creates a sense of connection and belonging, as evidenced by Maya Angelou’s statement, “I believe we all possess empathy.” We might not be brave enough to show it. Furthermore, art promotes mindfulness by bringing people back to the present, improving emotional control, and lowering anxiety through reflection and concentrated attention (Coholic, 2011). Additionally, it binds individual experiences into a collective tapestry by creating shared narratives, which promotes community and support during periods of personal pain or societal turmoil. By developing self-awareness and strengthening interpersonal bonds, the group activity raises emotional intelligence by teaching people how to identify and react to the feelings of others. Art is a strong psychological instrument that promotes emotional well-being and social ties by encouraging empathy, mindfulness, and shared experiences.
Suggestion from Giorgia Melagrana art studio.
1. mandala coloring book (https://amzn.to/4l2fRvy)
2. watercolor paint set (https://amzn.to/4hqH2xq)
3. Guided Art Journal (https://amzn.to/3Rkb8aU)
4. moleskine sketchbook (https://amzn.to/43VlLZh)
I hope you find these recommendations helpful! Feel free to share your feedback on the product or let me know if you’d like any alternatives. Thank you!
Sincerely, Giorgia Melagrana 🎨
