Art and the 5 Senses
Art resonates with our senses. As artists themselves are human, they develop strong emotions towards what they come into contact with using their senses—the sea rippling in everlasting beauty, the taste of freshly brewed espresso, a delightful floral scent—and translate these feelings into art. These feelings then resonate and ally themselves with the respective senses of us viewers.
A second way artists can engage with our senses is through creating works that intrinsically welcome our senses to experience the artwork, for example, a tactile sculpture, visually stimulating piece, or multi-sensorial exhibitions.
Overall, art can engage multiple senses through both ways, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. Read on to join us in exploring how different artists create interesting works that distinctly resonate with our five senses! They're sure to develop your appreciation and closeness to art.
Sight
Artists can bring to life a vivid image by painting what they've seen with their own eyes, connecting with our sense of sight. Ranjith Perera's "Bengal Tiger" sublimely displays the magnificence and beauty of the animal—bold stripes, a dignified face; all lit in a golden hue, as if in the sun's rays were illuminating it.
Yeo Jian Long illustrates a forested path. The vanishing point perspective creates a sense as if you were at the scene, staring down the path. Additionally, the artist's choice of inversed colours make it all the more trippy and hypnotising.
Art can also appeal to the sense of sight with patterns and illusions. Radhika Choudhary's work is minimal, bright, clean, and involves a fun interplay of geometric shapes aligned together to form a cohesive pattern. The balance and interplay of different elements is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
On the other hand, get tripped up by Nicky Henderson's visual illusion paintings.
Last but not least, art can connect with our sense of sight by being exceptionally visually stimulating! For example, Mark Beattie's neon series is eye-catching, especially so in a darker room. Witness "Pink Pearl", a precious spiral of luminescent rosy radiance. Beside it a blue counterpart, giving off a more mysterious and deep feel.
Another must-mention visual masterpiece: "Anubis" by Arran Gregory. Made entirely in mirrors, the world reflected in each plane truly engages one's sense of sight!
Sound
Waves, crashing into the shoreline, the city's bustling traffic, birds chirping—these respective works by Ellie Lasthiotaki, Jose Martinez, and Umakant Kanade transport these nostalgic sounds into our present.
Close your eyes and imagine the chirpy, upbeat conversation between this group of songbirds. Colourful and standing out from the monochrome background, the attention is all of them!
Taste
If you've ever watched Ratatouille, you may remember the scenes in which taste manifested in abstract illustrations in Remy's head! Observe the way our artists can appeal to the sense of taste through form and colour.
Stanko Ropic's simple compositions with large areas of colour easily appeal to the sense of taste. What do both of these differently hued paintings hint to your taste buds? The blend of blue and green shades seem to hint at a more bitter taste, while the orange over pink hints at a mix of citrus and sweetness!
"Skinny Coconut Long Black" by Yenny Yohan was inspired by the smell of a fresh brewed espresso, with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Like the layers of flavour in her cup, the gradients of white, brown, and black form a beautiful harmony.
Behold these zealous bold pink and lime colours powerfully fanned out on the canvas, displaying intensity and vigour. Imagine a sour, tangy sparkling drink that pops on your tongue with flavour! Art by Andy Yang.
Smell
Featuring works that resonate with our sense of smell: Tran Xuan Binh grants us with a point of view right in the heart of a flower—petals furled around us, pollen visible underneath. A floral scent is effortlessly conveyed. Can you smell the smell of the sea emanating from Tommy Kwak's photograph? The gentle waves embody a wonderous turquoise colour, their highlights glistening in the sunlight like jewels.
Touch
Tactile art forms such as textiles, 3D paintings, and sculptures can engage the sense of touch. These art forms invite us to reach out, hold and feel them, connecting us to the art in a different way.
To start off, witness this tactile medium of mother of pearl and oil on canvas by Yoon Jungeun. It invites a layered and exquisite tactile experience. Beside, an intricate textile painting. Visit her collection to read more about her creative style that encompasses countless, labour-intensive motions involving 7mm line brush drawings with thread.
Beautifully textured, France Gaggioli wows us with her textured acrylic on lotus leaves on wood paintings. Taking on the details and form of the leaves, a natural touch is truly exuded.
Lastly, works can engage our sense of touch by their solid presence as 3D forms. Yes—sculptures! Featuring these unique pieces from Cha Jong-Rye's "Expose" series. Round, smooth, jagged, crumpled; they can connect to our sense of touch in many unique forms.
Thank you for journeying through this post with us! We hope you've been fulfilled exploring the five senses and developed a greater closeness to art.
Are you looking for a particular work that will resonate with your senses? Chat with our helpful team to find your perfect fit, or even commission bespoke works for your collection. Alternatively, email us at info@fiidaaart.com.