Art is not only an expression of empathy (Bradshaw, 2016) but also an opportunity to practice empathy (Stamatopoulou, 2018). The German philosopher, Theodore Lipps (1851-1914) described empathy’s relationship with art as a kind of imaginative projection or inner imitation of our feelings into or onto an object or artwork. Lipps’ theory states that the artist enhances our capacity for empathy by maintaining our ability to resonate with the object before us.
As we admire a magnificent painting, we are drawn into the emotions and stories hidden within the strokes of the artist's brush. The Polish philosopher, Roman Ingarden (1893-1970) described this as the “emotional co-experiencing of psychological occurrences of portrayed persons,” (1972). Through the lens of empathy, I invite you to dive into the emotional landscapes of three famous paintings and consider the feelings they elicit within you.
Vincent van Gogh's "The Starry Night" is a masterpiece that captivates viewers with its swirling night sky and serene village below. As we gaze upon this iconic painting, we can't help but feel a sense of tranquillity and wonder. The deep blues and swirling patterns in the sky transport us to a dreamlike realm, where we can almost feel the cool night air brushing against our skin.
Through empathy, we can immerse ourselves in the emotional turmoil that van Gogh experienced during the creation of this painting. The more we know about the artist the easier it is to empathise. We sense the artist's profound longing for connection and stability, as well as his deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. The juxtaposition of the calm village and the tumultuous sky mirrors the conflicting emotions within van Gogh's mind.
In experiencing "The Starry Night" through empathy, we are dazed by both tranquillity and melancholy. We feel the artist's longing for peace and understanding, as well as his awe at the majesty of the universe. This painting becomes a conduit for us to connect with van Gogh's innermost emotions, allowing us to appreciate the depth of his artistic expression on a profoundly personal level.
Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic "Mona Lisa" has charmed and fascinated viewers for centuries with her enigmatic smile and gaze. As we consider this iconic portrait, we experience a sense of mystery and intrigue. The Mona Lisa's subtle expression seems to hold countless untold stories, inviting us to unravel the secrets hidden within.
Through empathy, we immerse ourselves in the emotional complexity of the Mona Lisa's smile. We feel a sense of quiet introspection and allure. We are drawn into the depths of her gaze, searching for the emotions that lie beneath the surface. We sense the artist's fascination with capturing the essence of human emotion, as well as his mastery in portraying the enigmatic nature of the human soul.
Experiencing the "Mona Lisa" through empathy allows us to connect with da Vinci's profound understanding of human emotion and his ability to convey it through his art. We feel a mixture of curiosity, admiration, and a touch of ambiguity. The Mona Lisa can become a mirror for our introspection, inviting us to explore the complexities of human emotion and perception.
Edvard Munch's haunting masterpiece "The Scream" resonates with viewers through its visceral depiction of existential angst and despair. As we confront this iconic painting, we are submerged in a cauldron of overwhelming emotions, as if we are standing on the precipice of a profound existential crisis.
Through empathy, we immerse ourselves in the overwhelming sense of pain that permeates "The Scream." We can feel the artist's intense emotional turmoil and his desperate attempt to capture the overwhelming anxiety and hopelessness that plagued him. The swirling, distorted figures, and the blood-red sky seem to reflect Munch's inner torment, as if his scream is transferred onto the canvas.
Experiencing "The Scream" through empathy allows us to confront our fears and anxieties, as we are confronted with the stark portrayal of existential dread. We feel a mixture of unease, compassion, and a profound sense of resonance, as Munch's painting becomes a mirror for our struggles with the overwhelming uncertainties of existence.
Through the lens of empathy, we have delved into the emotional landscapes of three well-known paintings, connecting with the profound emotions and stories hidden within each masterpiece. "The Starry Night," "Mona Lisa," and "The Scream" have allowed us to explore a wide range of emotions, from tranquillity and wonder to enigma and existential dread. By immersing ourselves in these timeless works of art, we gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the profound power of art.
References
Bradshaw, R. D. (2016) Art Integration Fosters Empathy in the Middle School Classroom, The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 89:4-5, 109-117.
Ingarden, R. (1973). Cognition of the literary work of art. Northwestern University Press, 237.
Larkin, F. (2017) Seeing the Loop: Examining Empathy through Art Practice. In: Exploring Empathy 217–231
Stamatopoulou, D. (2018) Empathy and the aesthetic: Why does art still move us?. Cognitive Process 19, 169–186.
Feeling Art Through Empathy
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21.12.2023
Art is not only an expression of empathy (Bradshaw, 2016) but also an opportunity to practice empathy (Stamatopoulou, 2018). The German philosopher, Theodore Lipps (1851-1914) described empathy’s relationship with art as a kind of imaginative projection or inner imitation of our feelings into or onto an object or artwork. Lipps’ theory states that the artist enhances our capacity for empathy by maintaining our ability to resonate with the object before us.
As we admire a magnificent painting, we are drawn into the emotions and stories hidden within the strokes of the artist's brush. The Polish philosopher, Roman Ingarden (1893-1970) described this as the “emotional co-experiencing of psychological occurrences of portrayed persons,” (1972). Through the lens of empathy, I invite you to dive into the emotional landscapes of three famous paintings and consider the feelings they elicit within you.
Vincent van Gogh's "The Starry Night" is a masterpiece that captivates viewers with its swirling night sky and serene village below. As we gaze upon this iconic painting, we can't help but feel a sense of tranquillity and wonder. The deep blues and swirling patterns in the sky transport us to a dreamlike realm, where we can almost feel the cool night air brushing against our skin.
Through empathy, we can........
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