Why Looking at Abstract Art Might Be Exactly What You Need

We tend to think of art as something to buy, hang, or make, but what about simply looking?

Just spending time with a piece of visual art, especially abstract art, can have a surprisingly positive effect on your well-being.

Whether it’s a splash of chaotic color, a minimalist brushstroke, or a swirling expression of emotion, abstract art invites something rare in today’s fast-paced world: a pause.

You Don’t Have to “Get It” to Feel It

One of the most freeing things about abstract art is that there’s no right or wrong way to experience it. It doesn’t ask you to interpret a clear story or identify familiar faces. Instead, it leaves room for interpretation, space for your brain to explore without rules. Viewing art (even passively) can increase our sense of meaning and fulfillment in life. This sense of well-being, essentially feeling that life is purposeful, can come from simply noticing the color, composition, or mood in a piece of art.

Abstract Art Helps You Tap into Yourself

Unlike representational art, which can anchor you in a specific narrative, abstract works often mirror your internal world. The same painting might feel calming one day and chaotic the next, depending on your state of mind. That’s not random. It’s reflective.

When you spend time with abstract art, your brain is doing something called “meaning-making.” You're forming personal associations, recalling memories, or even sensing emotions you didn’t realize were lingering just beneath the surface. This process isn’t just artistic, it’s therapeutic.

It’s Not Just About Solitude

Viewing art alone can be grounding, but sharing that moment with someone else can deepen the experience. Gallery visits, museum dates, or even sending a friend a photo of a piece that moved you can create moments of connection and conversation.

Research has shown that art-viewing can reduce feelings of isolation and foster emotional connection, especially when shared in community spaces or group settings.

You Don’t Need a Museum to Start

You can benefit from abstract art no matter where you are:

• Hang a print in your home or office and spend a few minutes a day just observing it.

• Follow abstract artists online and give yourself time to scroll slowly.

• Try a gallery walk in your city, even if it’s small or tucked away.

• Zoom in on art. Look closer at details, brushwork, layers. Let your eyes wander.

Art as a Daily Ritual

Incorporating a short, mindful moment with art into your daily routine is a simple yet powerful act of self-care. Much like meditation or journaling, it helps regulate your emotional state, promote reflection, and open space for creativity.

The best part? No special knowledge required. Just curiosity.