Step into Houston’s Rothko Chapel and you’ll find a quiet room lined with enormous canvases painted in deep shades of purple and black. At first glance, the paintings seem simple. Yet many visitors write that the experience is life changing. Psychologists say this is a perfect example of how art can reach deep into the brain, stirring emotions and even shifting the way we see ourselves.

The American Psychological Association (APA) has highlighted this in its recent work on neuroaesthetics, the science of how art interacts with the mind. According to APA reporting, when we look at a painting, hear music, or watch a performance, three brain systems work together. One processes sensory details like colour or rhythm, another adds emotional value by telling us whether we enjoy it, and a third uses memory and knowledge to give the experience personal meaning. When these systems align, people often describe a sense of calm, joy, or even transformation.

Studies cited by the APA show that responses vary widely. Some people feel bored or challenged, while others report “small transformations” such as new insights. A few describe “big transformations” that disrupt their worldview and spark deep self-reflection. Personal background plays a role too. Art connected to one’s own culture or memories often resonates more strongly, though learning a little about unfamiliar art can also make it meaningful.

Importantly, research presented by the APA shows art can improve well-being. Doctors are testing “social prescribing”, where patients are referred to dance classes, theatre, or museums to help with depression, recovery, or loneliness. Even simple practices like “slow looking”, which encourages spending more time with a single artwork, deepen engagement and reflection.

As the APA notes, art is far more than decoration. It is a biological and cultural force that can boost health, deepen empathy, and help people understand themselves and others.