How the visual can shape our moods & experiences
The Psychology of Art – part 1
Have you ever walked into a space and instantly felt calm? Or maybe a certain painting stopped you in your tracks and made you feel full of optimism? That’s not just personal taste at work—it’s neuro-aesthetics, the scientific study of what is going on in our brains when we experience any of the arts such as music, dance or painting.
Art isn’t just decoration. The right visuals can reduce stress, spark curiosity, or create a sense of luxury and order—whether in homes, cruise liners, hotels, or public spaces. Research has shown that environments filled with aesthetically pleasing artwork can improve well-being, boost productivity, and even make people more likely to return to a space.
So, what kind of art creates the best atmosphere? We’d need to write a book to do justice to the topic but let’s look at 3 different examples for the purpose of this article:
1. Abstract Art: A Spark for Curiosity & Conversation
Ever found yourself staring at an abstract painting, trying to make sense of it? That’s the brain doing what it loves—seeking patterns and meaning. Abstract art stimulates the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for creativity and problem-solving, making people feel more engaged and inspired.
A study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that abstract art encourages personal interpretation and deeper thinking, making it a great choice for spaces that want to feel dynamic and thought-provoking.
2. Nature-Inspired Art: The Stress-Reducing Power of Biophilic Design
If you’ve ever felt instantly relaxed looking at a serene landscape, you’re not alone. Studies show that nature-inspired visuals reduce stress and promote relaxation—a concept known as biophilic design.
Research from the University of Exeter has found that exposure to nature-based imagery can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), slow heart rates, and boost mood. Another study in Environmental Psychology showed that people perceive spaces with nature-inspired aesthetics as more inviting and high-quality. The interior design and ethos of the 1Hotels group is a luxury interpretation of this nature-inspired approach with artworks made from natural fibres, plants and sculptural slices of tree trunks.
3. Symmetry & Geometric Art: The Luxury of Order
Ever noticed that high-end spaces often feature symmetrical patterns, balanced artwork, and clean geometric designs? That’s because the brain loves order and harmony. Symmetry signals stability and sophistication, creating a sense of luxury.
A study in Psychological Science found that people associate symmetrical designs with higher value and prestige. This explains why luxury brands, high-end restaurants, and premium real estate use structured, balanced aesthetics. This is not true for everyone and we have lost count of the number of times that our Interior Designer clients have asked us to arrange artworks in odd number configurations to create a more dynamic and stylish result.
Other factors at play
In an fMRI study of the brain by Gerry Cupchik and his colleagues at Toronto University, they were able to demonstrate that our actual perceived experience of an artwork depends on our approach. If we approach an artwork with a subjective and open mind, we take on any emotional reaction it may inspire, and the art experience can be profound. If our approach is more pragmatic, then we tend to have a more objective and less emotional experience. The way a space is designed can create a certain ‘customer journey’ that will affect how likely we are to take the more subjective, relaxed approach.
So environmental context is a big factor (It is easier to engage with an artwork in a museum or hotel lobby than in a shopping mall). Artstory’s team have a theory that large scale artwork installations can sometimes be large enough to become the environment as well as the experience.
Next time you walk into a room and feel something—peaceful, inspired, or just at home—take a look around. The art might be doing more than you think.
Author: Harry Pass, Artstory