Have you ever stood before a piece of art and felt your world expand? Art and awe experiences hold the power to connect us deeply to ourselves and to the vast mysteries that inspire wonder. ​Dacher Keltner,​ a psychologist at the University of California, Berkeley, defines awe as “the emotion we experience when we encounter vast mysteries that we don’t understand.” Art and visual design, recognized by Keltner as one of the eight wonders of life, serves as a powerful gateway to awe, offering a deeper connection to ourselves and a richer understanding of our emotions and experiences.

A Personal Art and Awe Experience

I’ll never forget the moment I saw the Georges Seurat painting ​“A Sunday on La Grande Jatte”​ in person. Its size alone was staggering, but it was the thousands of tiny dots, each deliberate and vibrant, that took my breath away. Standing there, I felt awe—moved by the sheer craftsmanship and imagination it took to create something so expansive yet intimate. Moments like these are quintessential “art and awe experiences,” showing us how deeply art can connect us to ourselves, stirring emotions and thoughts we didn’t know existed.

Why Connection Through Art Matters

The ROCK thru principle of ​Connection​ emphasizes understanding what moves us and why. Awe through art deepens our Connection to ourselves, fostering a sense of self-awareness and growth. Immersion in art and awe experiences creates opportunities for introspection, allowing us to recognize the emotions and ideas that resonate within us.

Keltner’s research shows that awe:

• Expands perspective, making us feel part of a larger whole.                                        
• Boosts well-being and reduces stress.                                                                      
• Inspires curiosity and creativity.