Abstract Art and Augmented Reality to Nurture Emotional Resilience
- Dr Lydia C Saiz
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
Updated: May 12
In today’s fast-paced world, mental wellbeing is more important than ever. With economic pressures, technological shifts, and social challenges shaping our daily lives, finding accessible and effective ways to manage stress and build resilience is essential.
Recent research explores how abstract art, artificial intelligence (AI), and extended reality (XR) - which includes virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) - can work together to enhance emotional wellbeing. These technologies create immersive, multisensory experiences that offer a powerful tool for self-expression, relaxation, and mindfulness.
At Arbibo, we believe in the power of multisensory art. By integrating nature-inspired abstract art with AI, AR, and VR, we create immersive experiences that help individuals manage stress, express emotions, and develop resilience.
The Mental Health Challenge: Why We Need New Approaches
According to AIHW (2023) and ABS (2020–2022):
One in five Australians aged 16-85 (22%) have experienced a mental health problem.
Almost half of Australian women (45%) have reported struggling with mental health at some point in their lives.
Traditional mental health strategies are not always accessible or engaging for everyone. However, creative expression through art, especially when combined with emerging immersive technologies, offers a promising solution.
How Abstract Art and XR Support Mental Wellbeing
1. Abstract Art as a Path to Mindfulness
Research shows that abstract art is an effective tool for emotional expression and relaxation. Unlike traditional representational art, abstract art allows for personal interpretation, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic skill.
Key benefits of engaging with abstract art (Hacking et al., 2008; Nanda et al., 2010):
Encourages mindfulness by shifting focus away from daily stress.
Stimulates creativity and cognitive flexibility.
Provides an emotional outlet for self-expression.
Accessible to all - no artistic expertise required.
2. XR: Expanding the Artistic Experience with AR, VR, and AI
While abstract art alone offers benefits, integrating XR (AR, VR, and AI) enhances its impact by creating personalised, interactive, and immersive experiences.
How AI contributes to mental wellbeing in art (Richesin et al., 2021; Hadjipanayi et al., 2023):
AI can adjust colours, patterns, and movement based on emotional states.
Personalised art interactions create a deeper emotional connection between the viewer and the artwork.
How AR and VR enhance artistic engagement (Dac-Nhuong Le et al., 2018; Anantrasirichai & Bull, 2021):
Augmented Reality (AR) adds sensory dimensions to artwork, allowing users to overlay animations, sound, and movement onto physical art.
Virtual Reality (VR) immerses individuals in a fully digital artistic space, enabling them to engage with abstract environments in new ways.
XR bridges the gap between physical and digital art, transforming how people experience creative expression.
Our Research: Measuring the Impact of Abstract Art and XR
To test these concepts, Arbibo conducted two workshops in 2024 with 20 Australian women (ages 35-55) facing mental health challenges due to stress, burnout, and social isolation.
Workshop Approach
Guided abstract art creation inspired by nature, fluid painting techniques, and mindfulness.
Use of AI, AR, and VR to personalise and expand the artistic experience.
Pre- and post-workshop surveys to measure impact.
Key Findings
Statistical improvements in wellbeing after engaging with AI- and XR-enhanced abstract art:
Measure | Pre-Workshop (Mean ± SD) | Post-Workshop (Mean ± SD) | Key Impact |
Self-Confidence | 3.2 ± 0.8 | 4.5 ± 0.6 | 90% felt confident creating art; 85% increased self-esteem. |
Relaxation | 3.0 ± 0.9 | 4.3 ± 0.7 | 88% felt relaxed; 80% relieved stress through art. |
Emotional Expression | 2.9 ± 0.8 | 4.1 ± 0.5 | 85% felt more capable of expressing emotions. |
Overall Mental Well-being | 3.3 ± 0.9 | 4.5 ± 0.6 | 87% felt more positive about their lives. |
Participant Feedback
Common themes from open-ended responses:
The supportive environment and freedom to create helped reduce stress.
AI, AR, and VR made the experience more immersive and engaging.
Many participants continued practicing abstract art as a self-care routine after the workshops.
Why This Matters: The Future of Multisensory Art for Mental Health
The research confirms that combining abstract art, AI, AR, and VR can significantly improve emotional wellbeing, relaxation, and self-confidence. This has important implications for:
Artists: Exploring new forms of interactive and immersive art experiences.
Mental Health Practitioners: Using AI-, AR-, and VR-enhanced art therapy for stress reduction.
Employers: Encouraging creative wellbeing initiatives in the workplace.
Individuals: Integrating mindfulness-based art practices into daily life.
To scale the impact, we recommend:
Expanding workshops and community programs to make multisensory art experiences more accessible.
Funding for AI- and XR-driven mental health initiatives.
Further research with diverse populations to validate findings.
Conclusion: Art as a Tool for Resilience
Mental wellbeing is a growing global concern, and innovative, immersive solutions are needed. Abstract art, AI, AR, and VR offer a unique and accessible way to promote mindfulness, self-expression, and emotional resilience.
At Arbibo, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of multisensory art experiences- helping individuals connect with themselves and their emotions in deeper, more meaningful ways.
Are you ready to explore the power of multisensory art?
Discover our work: Discover our Services
Stay connected: Follow Arbibo on Social Media
Comments