The cognitive capacities of artists: Why their perspective matters
Why does an artist’s way of looking at the world have any meaning for us? Why does it give us pleasure? Because…a way of looking at the world implies a certain relationship with the world…the work need not be optimistic to achieve this; indeed, its subject may be tragic. For it is not the subject that makes the promise, it is the artist’s way of viewing the subject. ~ John Berger
The physicist Arthur Zajonc says that our culture needs the artist’s cognitive capacities.
Artists’ openness to confusion, sensitivity to nuance, and willingness to embrace risk and curiosity allow them to go beyond ordinary reasoning. This perspective, as John Berger notes, creates a profound relationship with the world, offering meaning and beauty even in tragedy.
The artist’s capacity to see beyond the surface invites us to expand our own perceptions. By embracing complexity and finding beauty in unexpected places, artists show us how to navigate ambiguity and make connections that spark creativity and insight. This way of engaging with the world not only brings pleasure but also fosters resilience and a deep understanding of the human experience.
Here’s a more in-depth article about artists’ cognitive capacities
