An Animated Guide to Using Art to Get in Touch with Your Emotions

Imagine attending a highly anticipated exhibition on a lively Saturday afternoon, surrounded by enthusiastic art aficionados, yet feeling an overwhelming sense of anxiety amidst the crowd. You navigate through the gallery, drawn toward a captivating artwork when chaos erupts nearby – a child starts to cry, and a conversation about brunch becomes louder than the ambiance of the exhibition. As your heart races, you find yourself grappling with what can only be described as ‘art gallery panic.’ How can you reconnect with the artwork while also restoring your sense of calm?

A collaborative film titled “How does your body react to art?”, created by animator Gaia Alari and therapist Emily Price, explores how art can serve as a conduit for tuning into our emotions and sensory experiences. Complemented by Alari’s vibrant illustrations, Price guides viewers through techniques to regain focus and serenity even amidst anxiety or distress. She suggests simple exercises like placing your hands on your heart and abdomen, or envisioning yourself encased in a protective shell or cape, allowing for a safe return to a state of calmness.

The film produced by MoMA is a part of a broader conversation about how art interacts with our psychological state during museum visits, further explored in a comprehensive interview with Price. For more of Alari’s insightful work, check out her Vimeo page.

For those looking for a similar meditative approach, you may find value in a collaborative project by artist Bryana Bibbs, which invites participants to engage in a communal weaving project inspired by themes of mental health and wellness.