How can abstract art evoke positive and soft feelings in highly sensitive people?

An abstract representation of softness from the perspective of a highly sensitive person

What does science say about abstract art?

Research suggests that abstract artists utilise colors and materials to change people's perspectives about their artwork. For example, circles and squares could evoke different emotions in people. Squares could leave a sharp feeling on the viewers, whereas a circle can evoke soft feelings for the viewers. The stereotypes about shapes and their feelings create prejudgment right after the viewer sets their eyes on the painting.

Of course, it could be a slightly different experience if the artist was intentional about evoking a positive feeling in the viewers. For example, the artist could use cotton to draw a square, making the process softer. Additionally, the artist can use warm colors to make a square, which could also evoke a soothing feeling for the viewer.

It can be tricky to view an abstract artwork, as it often evokes emotions of doubt, curiosity, and excitement. However, the uncertainty in decoding an abstract artwork and its components can create feelings of surprise and positivity too.

It is a win-win situation (unless you are viewing an artwork that triggers emotions and memories that are not soft).

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How can highly sensitive people see positive results by making abstract art?

Highly sensitive people can utilise soft-feeling images, memories, and ideas to make abstract art. It is important to think of softness from an individual perspective, as what could feel soft to one person could not feel soft to another person. For example, the color neon pink feels soft to me. For many people, neon pink is a strong-feeling color.

In fact, the artwork in this post is my representation of what feels soft to me. The neon pink color and texture white are the only two elements of this artwork, both of which soothe me.

In my experience, expressing one's softness through abstract art could be a beautiful way to feel positive too. We could use slow brush strokes, soft painting cloth, soft-bristled brushes, or use the word 'soft' as a paper cut-out in our abstract artwork.

There isn't much research about the positive impact of abstract art making and viewing on highly sensitive people. However, in my four years of experience with abstract art, I've understood that abstract art is soft for my highly sensitive gifts. I intuit that abstract art could be soft for many other highly sensitive and sensitive people, globally.

Often, highly sensitive people go through situations that are not soft. So, I find it useful to keep abstract art close, as it truly proves itself as a true friend to me.

This could have been a heavy read for some people, especially if you are a sensitive or highly sensitive person.

Can I request that we do a quick emotional check-in?

Please think of the first three words that come to your mind when I ask you the question: How are you feeling now?

If the words are positive, yay! Please share your feedback, and please let me know what worked for you. I'd be happy to know!

If they aren't, I'm sorry. Please share your feedback, and please let me know what didn't work for you. I'd be happy grateful to know!

Until next time, dear reader <3.

-3, 2, 1, Cheers,

Pranita

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Reference: Shi Y. Uncertainty in Abstract Painting and Its Possibility of Stimulating Positive Feelings in Viewers. Art and Design Review. 2023;11(02):43-54. doi:https://doi.org/10.4236/adr.2023.112004

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The word count for this post is 516.

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How can different colors impact and support highly sensitive people?

Disclaimer  - Please note that the information on this site and blog is not medical information. Expressive Sensitive is a space to inform, educate, and engage highly sensitive people about the relationship between abstract art and high sensitivity. Please be advised that I utilize my education and experience as an artist, self-healer, energy worker, and a science communicator to create authentic content in this space.

To get medical support, please reach out to a qualified medical professional. Please reach out to authorized educational professionals to replicate my artistic or emotional coping methods.