Art can spark strong emotions – and Europe is the ideal place to marinate in its marvels.
There’s no denying that Europe is dripping in beauty. From the gondolas of Venice to the white-washed walls of Santorini, it’s a sumptuous feast for your eyes.Stocksy
That’s what Kate Branch discovered. When she was 19, she lived in Europe and went to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris where she locked eyes on Édouard Manet’s painting L. “Words failed me at that moment. I merely stood before the masterpiece in silent awe,” she says. She now understands that the painting evoked a deep sense of vulnerability in her, which mirrored how she felt as a young woman living overseas on her own. That’s one of the greatest powers of art, says Branch. “Much like a melody, art possesses the ability to resonate deeply within us, igniting our emotional core. It acts as a conduit, connecting us to our most profound emotions and reminding us of the beauty and vulnerability inherent in our shared humanity.
Levels of the stress hormone cortisol then drop. In that relaxed state, we’re more likely to spark our creative juices and feel inspired. “We basically feel alive,” Gray says.But you don’t have to jet off to Europe to elicit such feelings. Branch has had many similarly enriching experiences on our own shores. Not only is Australia heaving with talented artists and incredible museums, she says we can also enjoy many wonderful installations and exhibitions from visiting international artists.