“We live in a rainbow of chaos.”
– Paul Cézanne, a renowned French post-Impressionist painter, revolutionised the art world with his innovative modes of representation. His work not only influenced avant-garde artistic movements of the early 20th century but also served as a crucial link between late 19th-century Impressionism and early 20th-century Cubism
HELLO, dear readers! Last week, we delved into the fascinating topic of ‘The influence of culture on physical sensory perception’. We unfold how our cultural backgrounds shape the ways we perceive the world, filtering our experiences through a unique lens that we each carry.
As we explored the intersection of culture and sensory perception, we discovered that art is a powerful vehicle through which those perceptions manifest.
This week, we will dive into the realm of physical sensory experiences in art, drawing from my journey in intuitive painting since 2015.
Let me take a moment to share a bit about my artistic path. My project, titled ‘Life Senses’, emerged from a desire for self-discovery and an earnest quest for expression.
In 2015, I unexpectedly found myself compelled to create ‘intuitive paintings’, each accompanied by a poem. This venture was not born from meticulous planning, but rather, for me, as a divine gift, a moment of grace that allowed me to articulate the depth of my feelings through colour and form.
Every brushstroke became a sensory experience an intimate interaction between canvas, colour, and the emotions swirling within me.
Through this longstanding journey, I have learned to appreciate the profound connection between our senses and our daily lives. Each colour I selected, every texture I applied to the canvas, and the overall visual experience crafted from these choices were deeply tied to my physical senses.
The textures of the paint, the vibrant colours – each element informed how I felt and how I wanted the viewer to feel. The impact of sensory experience in art, therefore, shapes not only the artwork itself but also the emotional landscape of the audience who engages with it.
Engaging the Physical Senses
Art, in its many magnificent forms, is not just a visual medium. It transcends sight to engage all our senses: touch, sound, smell, and even taste – all playing integral roles in shaping our perception of a piece.
For instance, artists like Olafur Eliasson immerse viewers in multi-sensory experiences. His installation, ‘The Weather Project’, envelops the audience in a hazy atmosphere filled with soft, glowing light and reflective surfaces that invite both contemplation and interactivity.
As participants move through the space, their senses are gently stirred. They experience warmth from artificial sun rays, catch whispers of sounds around them, and encounter varying sensations from the air around them.
In my practice, I strive to create that same rich tapestry of sensory engagement. Each painting I create is born from an intuitive response to colour, texture, and emotion.
As I apply paint to canvas, I cultivate an awareness of my body – its reactions, movements, and sensations – and how they resonate with the art I am producing.
My physical state becomes a touchpoint for the viewers as they interpret their responses to my work. The process itself becomes an experience of transformation where the sensations guide me through anxiety, joy, pain, and healing.
Attending to our physical senses is a vital part of leading a fulfilling life. When we listen to what our bodies need – whether it is rest, nourishment, or creative expression – we nurture our well-being. In the act of creating art, I often find myself in a meditative state.
It connects me not just to my inner self but also to a higher consciousness. I believe this is where the divine intersects with my creativity, deconstructing barriers between my own experience and the beauty I wish to share with others.
Recognizing and nurturing the connections between our senses can dramatically enhance our quality of life. The practice of intuitive art has taught me to acknowledge how our sensory experiences influence our emotional landscape and decision-making processes.
For years, I have incorporated what I call “intuitive painting” into my process. As I paint, I consciously reflect on how each sensory element feeds into my emotional experience.
The vibrancy of colour may evoke joy, while a rough texture may bring forth memories of struggle. These reflections inform not only my artwork but also enrich my understanding of life itself.
The biblical principle of honouring our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), resonates deeply within me. This perspective frames my artistic practice as a sacred act, taking care of my physical vessel to honour not only myself but also the divine within. Art becomes a way to express gratitude for the sensory experiences afforded to us, allowing us to celebrate the richness of life itself.
Many contemporary artists are exemplifying the importance of multi-sensory experiences. Take, for example, the late artist and environmentalist, Christo Javacheff, and his partner, Jeanne-Claude.
Their installations, such as ‘The Gates’ in Central Park, were not merely visual spectacles; they invited viewers to walk through, touch the fabric, and truly engage with their surroundings in new ways.
Here, the senses of sight, touch, and movement converged to create a shared experience that transcended mere observation.
Similarly, Ryoji Ikeda, a Japanese sound artist, often creates immersive environments that meld sound, light, and perception in ways that challenge our traditional boundaries of art. His works invite audiences to listen as much as they watch, further expanding the realm of physical sensory experience.
Encapsulating my journey within this broader context of artistic expression has illuminated the power of the senses. Through my paintings, I aspire to inspire others to explore their sensory connections.
For every stroke of paint that greets the canvas, I aim to evoke emotions, facilitating an experience that resonates deeply with both the viewer and myself.
As I reflect on my journey in intuitive painting since 2005, I am filled with gratitude for the divine gift of experiencing my senses through artistic expression.
Physical sensory experiences in art are indeed gifts that hold the potential for transformation – allowing us to express, communicate, and connect on deeper levels.
They encourage us to nurture our bodies and spirits in tandem, leading us to a more fulfilling life as we engage fully with and in the world.
Dear readers, in a world craving for connection, we can turn to our senses to create meaningful relationships with one another and with the art we cherish.
The act of engaging with our sensory experiences is a profound way to honour our existence. I encourage you all to explore your sensory connections in your daily lives and through creative expression.
As I conclude, I find solace in the wisdom of Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
I am deeply grateful to God for this creative journey, for the ability to experience life through the lens of art, and for the immense joy it brings.
Through intuitive painting, I have found solace and an appreciation for the gift of self-expression, shaping not only my artistic identity but also fostering my spiritual growth.
The act of listening to my body, exploring my emotions, and honouring my physical senses has been transformative. As we move forward in our exploration of art and sensory experiences, I invite you, dear readers, to reflect on your sensory engagement with art and how it can enrich your life.
As we immerse ourselves in this journey, let us remember that art is a realm of connection, a sacred space where we experience the beauty of our existence through the lens of our senses.
I look forward to exploring more themes that intertwine art, culture, and personal experience with you all next week. Happy experiencing your Physical Senses as gifts from God!
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at lawleepoh@gmail.com.
