What does art trigger in us?

Today I’ve been working at Kobo Gallery in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. I always find observing the gallery’s visitors intriguing. Kobo Gallery is run by 12 artists, each exceptional in their own way but vastly different from each other. As visitors walk in, often it’s one artist’s work that resonates and draws them in. The person’s demeanor changes, their face lights up. They have connected.

This leads me to the question; what exactly is it that triggers that response? Or for that matter, a negative one? As a collector/frequent gallery visitor myself, I am well aware of my reaction to each piece I observe. When an artwork transcends me to a place I like to be, I linger, wanting more. I often wonder if it’s the emotional response that makes me feel more present, more alive. Could it be that work we enjoy triggers positive memories / associations? And sometimes it’s hard to put into words, like the abstract work of Sam Lock, I have no idea what it reminds me of, but I know I want more.

And what is it about certain works that just pushes one away? We’ve all seen work that we just want to get away from. I often find myself in the conundrum of acknowledging work to be good, but I still prefer to spend as little time as possible with them. An example of this is Jeff Koons’ porcelain sculptures. I admire Koon’s unique interpretations and cultural celebrations, but it most certainly triggers negative connotations for me.

The art we choose to enjoy most certainly says a lot about us, our experiences and our personality. This makes me wonder, can we use the artworks that resonate with us as well as those that do not to understand ourselves and our own complexities better?