In my master's thesis, I explore how people perceive and interpret works of art that depict different forms of suffering. The main objective was to understand how individuals relate such artworks to the broader context of art and to their own life experiences. The theoretical part focuses on why suffering is an essential part of the human experience and how it is represented in art. I analyze six selected artworks from different historical periods that reflect three main forms of suffering: physical, psychological, and collective. In the empirical part, I collected data using an online questionnaire completed by 31 participants of various ages, ranging from adolescents to older adults. This allowed me to compare how different generations interpret art related to suffering. Participants responded to questions about the six artworks (the same as in the theoretical part) and shared their views on what suffering in art and everyday life means to them. I analyzed the responses both qualitatively and quantitatively to identify common patterns in perception and reflection. The results show that people tend to understand suffering in art primarily through their personal experiences and the social context they live in. So, Art emerges as a space where suffering is not only represented but also interpreted, whether through empathy, symbolic meaning, or from a critical distance. This thesis provides insight into how art can help people reflect on suffering as part of the human condition and encourages personal and emotional engagement from the viewer.
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