We believe that art is not for us? Do we think it is superfluous, of no practical use in our lives? However, it extends its arms to us for our greatest happiness. Here’s why.
Faced with a painting, a sculpture, a music, a poem … our brain secretes dopamine, the hormone of desire and pleasure present in the state of love. Tangible proof that art can contribute to our well-being, that it is not a luxury but a necessity. It reconciles us with humanity, in its best (sometimes, we really need it!).
On condition, however, that we do not impose on ourselves a “cultural duty” by skimming the exhibitions, concerts or plays that “must be seen”. But rather by relying on our intuition, by going towards the art that attracts us, free from our preconceptions, and free to enjoy them.
It helps to get to know each other better!
Often, art catches us by surprise: we find a work beautiful that we never imagined could touch us. “Like a convinced Catholic who falls into ecstasy while reading Camus’s L’étranger, a novel describing an absurd world …”.
Art allows us to discover ourselves much more multiple and complex than expected. It leads us out of our identity tensions by revealing ourselves to ourselves more open and richer. When a work takes hold of us, we experience a real encounter with it, as with a human being. Like any encounter, it has an effect of transformation and self-discovery on us.
Through this aesthetic experience, we become aware of unsuspected singular and personal emotions, we assert our personality.
In practice … Faced with a work that speaks to us, let’s eliminate the question of “why I find it beautiful”. Instead, let’s explore our emotions through the question of “what am I feeling, what is happening to me deep inside”. Let us multiply the opportunities to rub shoulders with art, all the arts, in places of culture (by daring to open the door of a gallery) but also outside the walls (by taking an interest in street-art present in the spaces public).
An emotional upheaval that soothes us!
Art is neither good nor bad, neither true nor false, it is just beautiful. In this, it is restful: it is not supposed to arouse existential questions, only emotions that make us feel good. When we listen to and trust each other – a feeling of harmony, unity and coherence ensues in us. This gives us a moment of lull in the tumult of existence.
Sometimes, too, the aesthetic experience is more hectic and almost disturbing. You can feel an emotional rush in front of a canvas or while listening to music, almost a tear. But out of there and out of this time of fragility, we feel appeased and liberated.
In practice … To benefit from this appeasement or this catharsis, let’s not overly intellectualize our relationship to works, don’t immediately seek to know who made them, at what time, according to what codes. Let us go, let ourselves be carried away. For example, you can visit an exhibition twice, first without the audio guide while listening to yourself, then with if you want to acquire some knowledge about art.
It makes us want to share!
Paradoxically, while art is deeply subjective – it makes us experience very personal emotions – at the same time it ignites in us a strong desire to share our pleasure with others. As if by strengthening our singularity, it gave us a greater ability to deal with otherness.
Feeling this momentum towards others reassures us about our ability to share. This is huge in our deeply relativistic age where the desires and desires of everyone are almost sacred to the detriment of the general interest!
In practice … Let’s not hesitate to exchange our views with others on a work. Even though we don’t feel like we have the words, even if we don’t agree. Do we particularly like a work? Let’s buy it as a postcard, make a photo of it, and send it to those we love. If it has done us good, maybe it will do them too …
