How to Look at Art (or Foster Empathy)
Many of my trainees in the Elevate360 executive training program were initially surprised when presented with images of artworks and asked for their thoughts. However, they soon discovered that developing a personal experience with art, by asking themselves key questions, is an effective way to cultivate greater self-awareness and empathy and here's how.
Just as starting a collaborative rapport with a new team member or stakeholder whom we have just met, stepping into a new museum or gallery can be exhilarating, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Rows of masterpieces, intricate labels, and the sheer volume of art can make us feel like we need to be an art historian to truly appreciate what's before us. But here's a secret: you don't need to be an expert to connect deeply with art. You can guide yourself to a more personal and enriching experience by simply asking a few leading questions. This isn't about finding the "right" answer, but about cultivating your own unique dialogue with the artwork.
Next time you find yourself in front of a painting, especially one that initially feels unfamiliar, try asking yourself:
Where are we? Is it indoors or outdoors? Can you recognize a specific landscape, or is it an abstract, imagined space? What details give clues about the setting?
When was the scene depicted? What time of day is it? What season? Does it feel like a specific historical period (Renaissance, 1960s) or does it evoke a sense of timelessness?
Who stands out in the painting? Or sometimes, what stands out? Is there a central figure, or a group? What draws your eye? If there are no people, what object, color, or shape commands your attention?
What does it feel like the subjects in the painting are 'doing'? Or the painter is doing? Are they interacting? Are they still or in motion? Does the artist's brushwork suggest scribbling, bold strokes, or delicate lines? Are there symbols telling us something?
How might the subjects be feeling? Try to empathize with the figures. Are they joyful, sorrowful, contemplative, or defiant? What visual cues (facial expressions, body language, color palette) suggest these emotions?
Why did I think 'that' about the painting? Why did I conclude with that story? This is where your personal connection truly emerges. Reflect on your initial reactions and interpretations. What in your own experience or perspective led you to that particular conclusion? There's no wrong answer here; it's about understanding your unique interaction with the art.
Incidentally, this simple exercise is also a great way to cultivate a mindset for deeper empathy and keen observation in other areas of your life – whether it's in your interactions with colleagues at work, your encounters with strangers, or simply discovering the nuanced expressions of artists. It teaches us to look beyond the surface and engage with the world more thoughtfully.