Researcher(s)
- Alyse Rut, Art, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- David Brinley, Art, University of Delaware
Abstract
Nostalgia, a sentimental longing for the past, is a deeply human experience that connects memory, emotion, and identity. This research examines how visual art can evoke feelings of nostalgia, facilitate emotional reflection, and promote shared experiences and a sense of belonging among people from diverse backgrounds. Drawing on studies in psychology, the project explores how triggers like color, imagery, and embodied cognition contribute to emotional responses that trigger both positive and negative feelings of nostalgia. Mirror neurons and the theory of embodied cognition suggest that viewers experience art, not just intellectually but physically, by placing themself in a scene and emotionally resonating with it.
Through research in both the psychological processes of viewing artwork and the examination of inspirational figures in the art world, such as Colin Page and Kevin Beilfuss, I created one 40×40 inch painting and two 30×40 inch paintings. The largest piece, ‘Universal Belonging’ was created using acrylic, oil paint, and liquin impasto to explore these themes. The work drew inspiration from an old photograph, chosen for its capacity to evoke universal emotion rather than a specific personal memory. Colors from my research were intentionally selected for their emotional associations. The other two pieces, ‘Mommom,’ and ‘Poppy,’ were an exploration of the personal experience in art and were drawn from my personal family photo album.
The result is three paintings, one that prioritizes emotional resonance over realistic depiction, and two that are deeply personal. All three pieces distill the memory of a moment into mood and color, allowing viewers to relate to them through their own experiences and relationships. Overall, art can serve as a conduit for memory and enable viewers to reflect on their own nostalgia while connecting with other people.