Art Produces Very Personal Reactions

Some people would say that they take a very keen interest in the world of art, while others largely allow it to pass them by. In reality, we all react to artwork on an almost daily basis. We may not realise it, but the truth is that art surrounds us.

This can seem like a strange concept, but even the most basic, mundane tasks in life reveal it to be true. Think about a trip to the shops, as an example. You may choose to travel by public transport or by car. Either way, it's likely that art will be having an impact on your thought process.

It's become increasingly common for train operators and bus companies to make use of images. In many cases, this may be all about their advertising leaflets and posters. But you also see such images on the front of magazines and even on bus shelters. They are about sending messages and creating a certain mood. You may not think that you are reacting, but you almost certainly are.

This also explains why many companies spend a lot of money on pictures and sculptures. The former may be placed on the walls of corridors. Workers may walk past them on a daily basis. Some, of course, may not stop to look at them. Many others will and the art is often designed to have a particular impact.

What impact are we talking about here? In some instances, it may be about encouraging staff members to consider a corporate ethos. In other situations, it's all about helping people to relax. There's a theory that reducing stress levels produces more effective staff members.

This is all true of sculptures too. They may be placed in courtyards or reception areas. At the surface level, they may be there to impress visitors. In reality, there may also be benefits to staff members.

Returning to our imaginary shopping trip, we can also see that artworks are used to create an atmosphere within individual shops. Are they there in order to encourage us to buy particular items? In a way, this can certainly be seen to be true.

Often, however, things are a little more subtle. Pieces of art may be placed so that we have a more positive experience of a store. This can help to encourage us to return in the future and to buy more. How do you react to the positioning of art in this way?

Consider photo to painting options and read more articles on this subject by Simon Barnett. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.