Aesthetic objects and their joyful effect, 2024

An object is an abstract or material thing that has an autonomous existence. In everyday life, an object can be a physical item such as a table, bicycle or laptop. However, it can also be something immaterial, such as a concept, a thought or an idea. In philosophy, an object can be a topic that is examined or considered, but it can also be a world that serves as the basis for perception or as a result. And what is an object that is sensual, joyful, enchanting and pleasurable?
In my empirical field research, I investigated whether Swiss women's feelings of pleasure can be triggered by aesthetic contemplation of concrete objects. In my work, I described the state in which pleasure is felt through aesthetic contemplation as something magical. My goal was to find out whether the sensation of pleasure can be achieved purely aesthetically, i.e. independently of other factors such as personal stories or emotional attachment. I wanted to explore this question using a field research survey and deepen my previous research. I wanted to find out which objects in everyday life give people in Switzerland the most pleasure. Through a call for submissions, I received photos of joyful objects and their relationship to them from 92 people.
I deliberately chose objects as objects of analysis because they offer concrete anchor points. I wanted to explore this question using a field research survey and deepen my previous research. I wanted to find out which everyday objects bring people in Switzerland the most joy.

Aesthetic objects and their joyful effect, 2024

An object is an abstract or material thing that has an autonomous existence. In everyday life, an object can be a physical item such as a table, bicycle or laptop. However, it can also be something immaterial, such as a concept, a thought or an idea. In philosophy, an object can be a topic that is examined or considered, but it can also be a world that serves as the basis for perception or as a result. And what is an object that is sensual, joyful, enchanting and pleasurable?
In my empirical field research, I investigated whether Swiss women's feelings of pleasure can be triggered by aesthetic contemplation of concrete objects. In my work, I described the state in which pleasure is felt through aesthetic contemplation as something magical. My goal was to find out whether the sensation of pleasure can be achieved purely aesthetically, i.e. independently of other factors such as personal stories or emotional attachment. I wanted to explore this question using a field research survey and deepen my previous research. I wanted to find out which objects in everyday life give people in Switzerland the most pleasure. Through a call for submissions, I received photos of joyful objects and their relationship to them from 92 people.
I deliberately chose objects as objects of analysis because they offer concrete anchor points. I wanted to explore this question using a field research survey and deepen my previous research. I wanted to find out which everyday objects bring people in Switzerland the most joy.