For the Love of Art: Where Feelings are more Important than Words

We've all been there – standing in front of towering art pieces in acclaimed museums, the written explanations too academic and the font type too small to grasp at first glance. Yet, as we stand there, something stirs within us – a feeling, an admiration, a connection that needs no explanation. Valerie Kabov refers to this as the ‘essential uselessness' of Art – it doesn't fulfill any survival need (honestly Art won't keep us warm at night), but it does resonate deeply with our souls!

Innate Appreciation:

From the earliest moments of our lives, we're drawn to beauty. Even as young babies, we naturally gravitate towards the more attractive faces, suggesting an innate appreciation for beauty. It's as if our bodies recognize the calming effect of aesthetics, offering us a moment from the chaos of our everyday lives.

The Act of Creation:

But it's not just about admiring beauty; it's also about the act of creating Art itself. For many artists, it's a sacred space of quiet reflection, a spiritual journey. The process of creation is its own reward, born entirely from our own intentions and described as a product of absolute freedom.

A Reminder of Agency:

In experiencing an artwork as the viewer, we're reminded of our own agency in life. It's a powerful gift that Art gives us – a reminder that we are inherently free beings. As Valerie Kabov eloquently puts it, Art gives us the space to recognize our own freedom.

For more insights, listen to the Latitudes podcast interview here: