The Vital Role of Beauty Even in War Time

"Art philosopher Arthur Danto wrote that beauty, while optional for art, is not an option for life. Neuroscientists have shown that our brains are biologically wired for beauty: The neural mechanisms that influence attention and perception have adapted to notice color, form, proportion and pattern. We've found that refugees worldwide, often with limited or no legal rights, still invest considerable effort in beautifying their surroundings. Whether they're staying in shelters or makeshift apartments, they paint walls, hang pictures, add wallpaper and carpet the floors. They transform plain and seemingly temporary accommodations into personalized spaces -- into semblances of home. Refugees rearrange spaces to share meals, celebrate holidays and host parties -- to greet friends, hold dances and say goodbyes. They burn incense, serve tea in decorative porcelain and recite prayers on ornate mats. These simple acts carry profound significance, even amid challenges..." More in this article about the vital role beauty plays in wartime Gaza.

READ FULL STORY