Question #3

How are emotions raised by a work of art different from typical human emotions? (for example, is a sad photograph different from another experience of sadness? If so, how?)

The emotions we feel in a picture rather than news we hear is quite different.  We tend to have a stronger reaction to pictures we see rather than news we here because we are being given visual proof that some event occurred.  Example: Newtown, Connecticut elementary school shooting.  When I first heard that someone shot up a school my heart ached, how could someone possibly kill children.  Then when I saw the pictures of the children who had taken part in the horrible event that is what made my heart break.  Seeing young children filled with so much potential just being taken away from the world was terrible.  It struck home as well, having a little sister it affected the way I thought about my family.  More in a positive way than negative.  It made me appreciate what I had.

But when it comes to news that are cheerful, I believe people tend to react better to hearing than seeing.  Hearing news that could be considered good or happy is always more settling than just seeing a picture.  When you hear the happiness in someone else's voice it really changes your mood for a positive way.

Four senses: Weekend Project

Portraits of Family

Portraits with Friends