Discovering Your Personal Aesthetic in Art
The process of discovering one's personal aesthetic is inextricably linked to the act of self-actualisation, where the individual's own sense of meaning and identity becomes intertwined with their engagement with artistic expression.
When embarking on the journey to discover your personal aesthetic in art, it is important to approach the process with an open mind and a willingness to engage deeply with a diverse range of artistic mediums. Begin by immersing yourself in a wide array of art forms, from painting and sculpture to literature and music.
As you explore these different artistic expressions, pay attention to the emotions, mental images, and ethical considerations that they evoke within you. What resonates with you on a deeper level? What types of art consistently captivate your attention and spark your imagination?
Navigating the realm of art can be a deeply personal and introspective journey, as we each possess a unique lens through which we perceive and interpret the visual world around us. The process of discovering one's personal aesthetic is inextricably linked to the act of self-actualisation, where the individual's own sense of meaning and identity becomes intertwined with their engagement with artistic expression. (Karakozov, 1996)
The perception of art is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, shaped by a myriad of psychological mechanisms, factors, and processes (Leontiev, 2000). As we immerse ourselves in the appreciation of art, we are not merely passive observers, but rather active participants in a dynamic exchange of emotions, mental imagery, and ethical considerations. (Indrawati, 2021) The act of reading fiction, for instance, can be seen as an "existential situation" in which the author communicates with the reader, offering an opportunity for the reader to "actualize his personal senses and perform as a personality." (Karakozov, 1996)
The empowerment of a person's imagination and contemplation is central to the aesthetic experience, as it transcends the limitations of time and space. The stages of art appreciation, from surprise to fascination and a sense of ethical right, are a testament to the depth and complexity of our engagement with artistic expression.
Cultivating a personal aesthetic in art requires more than merely filling a space with visual and auditory stimuli; it necessitates the creation of an "ambience" that encourages reflectiveness, wide-awakeness, and the sensitivity to "the expressiveness of experienced things." (Greene, 1976) This reflective engagement with art, which encourages individuals to ponder their own experiences with each art form, is essential in shaping one's personal aesthetic.
Greene, M. (1976). Literature in Aesthetic Education. In Journal of Aesthetic Education (Vol. 10, Issue 3, p. 61). University of Illinois Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/3332062
Indrawati, L. (2021). Study Approach Based on Art Appreciation ˋˋShould’’ be an Option in Art Learning During Online Study. In KnE Social Sciences (p. 207). Knowledge E. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v5i6.9197
Karakozov, R. R. (1996). Sense Production in Reading Fiction. In Journal of Russian and East European Psychology (Vol. 34, Issue 1, p. 64). Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.2753/rpo1061-0405340164
Leontiev, D. A. (2000). The Perception of Art: Psychological Mechanisms, Factors, and Processes. In Journal of Russian and East European Psychology (Vol. 38, Issue 3, p. 45). Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.2753/rpo1061-0405380345