This post is written by Hreem Mahadeshwar and Valedeen D'Souza, Monk Prayogshala, Mumbai.

Art is like a deep, shared language that shows us the beauty and complexity of our cultures. Going beyond words, it helps us capture the elements that make each civilization unique and also succeeds in giving us a glimpse into the hearts of those who create it. More often than not, artists use the rich traditions and symbols of their backgrounds to inspire their creations, weaving their cultural stories into their work. The diversity of artistic expression worldwide—from the intricate calligraphy found in Islamic art, which is not just an aesthetic endeavor but also a profound manifestation of cultural and religious significance, to the vibrant patterns and colors in African art, rooted deeply in the continent's rich traditions—highlights the significant role culture plays in art creation. With various kinds of cultures present it isn't hard to posit that individuals from different cultures could perceive art through unique cognitive frameworks developed within their cultural contexts.

This cultural shaping extends into the cognitive processes that underlie artistic expression and appreciation. Culture molds our cognitive frameworks, influencing how we perceive, create, and interpret art. A study found that cultural differences between the East and West profoundly affect perception and thought processes, which in turn can be reflected in artistic expressions. For example, the emphasis on........

© Psychology Today