On the Meaning of Art in the Context of Adult Development
The authors focus on the perception of art in the life of an individual and on its role as a special activity that contributes to a greater sense of meaningfulness of reality and time potentiation. Following those many researchers who have done the same before, the authors consider the individual's need for the construction of his/her own world in which s/he may feel himself/herself the creator of everything one of the fundamental human needs in life. In the authors' opinion, the perception of art can truly fulfill this need. One of the main mechanisms by which the artist aims to affect the perceiver is the creation of an atmosphere of mystery and incompleteness. Thus the individual becomes involved in the creation of his/her own world, which enables him/her to enrich his/her life with existential meanings and to create his/her own life space and possibilities for self-fulfillment.