I’m sure I’m
not the only one to agree that the greatest pieces of art are the ones that
evoke emotion. Whether I’m chuckling at a play, getting chills over a piece of
music, or crying over The Notebook
with some Ben & Jerry’s, I began to wonder why these images, actors, and
melodies leave such an emotional impact in our brains.
With a
little research, I discovered that understanding our emotions has been a key
factor in survival. For instance, if we feel threatened we run away to escape
danger, while a full belly and shelter assures us we are safe and happy. Cognitive science proposes that art
moves the viewer by evoking emotional cues we as humans have learned to
understand over the millennium. Art exploits and explains our feelings, just as a juicy
hamburger satisfies our tastes buds. We cry over movies because the
oxytocin in our brain cannot tell the difference between a real person and an
actor. Our brains so
desperately want to empathize and connect!
Studies even show when using an MRI, the
region of the brain that experiences emotions is activated when showing a
pleasing piece of art.
Even abstract paintings with the use of colors, symbolism, and brush strokes
are distinguishable enough to make us feel something. Squiggly frantic lines
can represent feelings of uneasiness, the color red can indicate an
overwhelming sense of anger, or black can symbolize death and mystery among the
viewers.
Cognitive science
also explains how music evokes listeners because we associate the sounds with
human movement. When listening to a melancholy Sarah McLachlan tune, maybe
you’ll imagine a lost puppy in the rain. Or in contrast, if you’re listening to
some fast paced jazz, you could envision a 1920’s dance party.
While art
comes in various forms, each piece helps us connect with ourselves and the
artists even thousands of years apart. So next time you’re getting teary eyed
over Ryan Gosling on the big screen, it’s time to blame your ancestors and
oxytocin for eating that pint ice cream.
By Colette Zaborniak
