Love and Other Positive Emotions in Contemporary Visual and Social Practice Art

Abstract

This chapter integrates theory and evidence on the science of positive emotions with recent examples of contemporary visual and social practice art that touch on resonant themes. Focus begins with an emphasis on the individual experience of positive emotions and extends to co-experienced positive emotions, at both relational and communal levels. The artists considered—Janine Antoni, Louise Bourgeois, Nick Cave, C.S.1 Curatorial Projects, Harrell Fletcher, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Sarah Gotowka, Jim Hodges, Emily Jacir, Julia Jamrozik, Miranda July, Coryn Kempster, Felice Koenig, Antonio Vega Macotela, and Kateřina Šedá—as well as the theorists Nicholas Bourraid and Luce Irigaray are all advocating for a more emotional and connected world after decades of highlighting difference. The chapter concludes with specific suggestions for more richly integrating scientific and artistic approaches to understanding and evoking positive human experiences.