Aesthetic is the study of that which involves the senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, possibly intuition. Inputting information into one’s brain – receiving this information through the senses, processing it and responding physiologically, emotionally and intellectually. Stimulus – response. For example, one may look upon a beautiful painting with one’s eyes. The painting exists in the material world so initially a number of elements of the painting are perceived – the size, shape, colours, images, symbolism, texture, position, lighting and once all of this information is perceived and processed in the brain, meaning may be derived from it. Perhaps the meaning intended by the artist is understood or perhaps the viewer attaches their own meaning to it based on their own lived experience. Understanding the meaning of the work is largely an intellectual endeavor. Perceiving a painting with your eyes can also affect the way you feel. Appreciating the beauty of the work, enjoying the specific combination of colours, the composition and artwork may make you feel happy, sad, angry, relaxed or may trigger memories that make you feel particular emotions. Aesthetics is a process – it involves understanding artistic works, and the relationship between the viewer and the work and how it affects them.
CriticalRemix.com
Dr. Owen Gallagher, SFHEA
