Art at the workplace
Elisabeth Svendby Holen
This summer, I am working with a local business, Kilkaya, to create a large painting for a new wing of their offices.
Collaborating with a company to bring art into a workspace is such a joy, and seeing the finished piece in place is genuinely thrilling. I think it’s because art has the power to transform a space in a way few other things can. Office environments are often quite sterile and disconnected from our natural world. Many don’t even have enough natural light to support plants, which makes artwork a wonderful and lasting alternative.
In my work, I often draw inspiration from the forest, a beautiful example of differences working together in harmony. It’s a living symbiosis of movement and life, where every tree, plant, and ray of light plays a part in creating a vibrant whole.
When translated into a painting, that same sense of connection and diversity can infuse an office with calm and inspiration. The subtle interplay of colors and textures brings a dynamic yet grounding energy, helping to foster creativity, focus, and well-being in the space.
Another exciting aspect of creating very large paintings, especially when they are painted in situ at offices, is the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the people who work there. Much of my time as an artist is spent alone in the studio, so getting out to meet people, share my art, and discuss my creative process is always enjoyable. Many people also appreciate seeing how the artwork is made and enjoy being part of its progress.
After reading articles and studies on what art does to our brain, here is a summary made with computer help. I find this so interesting!
"Viewing nature paintings or photographs activates several key areas in the brain associated with visual processing, self-referential experiences, and emotional well-being. Neuroimaging studies show that observing nature scenes in art stimulates the occipital cortex (involved in visual analysis), the medial temporal areas such as the lingual gyrus (linked to complex image processing), and the parahippocampal place area (associated with scene recognition and preference). The posterior parietal cortex, including the cuneus and precuneus, is also activated, supporting visuospatial exploration and even evoking memories of real environments.
This neural activity is not just about visual pleasure: viewing nature art can also engage the brain’s motor and somatosensory systems, as if the viewer is mentally navigating or interacting with the depicted space. These responses are linked to increased feelings of relaxation, pleasure, and even empathy, contributing to improved mood and psychological well-being. Nature scenes in art are often rated higher in beauty and positive emotional valence, which may explain their restorative and uplifting effects in environments like office spaces."
Most used sources for this summary
