Temple Ministries

The world of art and design is built on shapes, colors, and patterns that influence our emotions, perceptions, and behaviors. While shapes like circles and triangles have been extensively studied, the humble rectangle has received relatively little attention. However, a closer examination reveals that the rectangle may be having a profoundly negative impact on our collective psyche, drawing us into a conformist, unnatural reality.

A Brief History of Rectangles
The first recorded evidence of rectangular shapes dates back to ancient Egypt, where sarcophagi were often crafted in rectangular forms (Baines & Malek, 2000). Similarly, the stone tablets of Moses and the Tablets of Thoth feature rectangular shapes, highlighting the enduring presence of this shape in human culture (Assmann, 2001).

The Psychology of Rectangles
So, what makes rectangles so harmful? Research suggests that rectangles are associated with feelings of confinement, rigidity, and monotony (Kullmann, 2010). The rectangular shape can evoke a sense of being trapped or limited, which can negatively impact our mental well-being.

Moreover, rectangles are often linked to industrialization, technology, and modernity, which can contribute to a sense of disconnection from nature and our inherent humanity (Roszak, 1992). The proliferation of rectangular shapes in our urban environments, from skyscrapers to smartphones, may be perpetuating a conformist, unnatural reality that stifles our creativity and individuality.

The Impact on Art and Design
The dominance of rectangular shapes in art and design can have a stifling effect on creativity. Artists and designers may feel pressured to conform to traditional rectangular formats, rather than exploring more organic, natural shapes.

However, there are examples of artists and designers pushing back against the rectangular norm. The works of architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Antoni Gaudí, who incorporated natural, curved shapes into their designs, demonstrate the potential for more organic, human-centered approaches to art and design.

Conclusion
The rectangular shape, ubiquitous in our modern world, may be having a profoundly negative impact on our collective psyche. By recognizing the harmful psychological effects of rectangles, we can begin to challenge the conformist, unnatural reality they perpetuate. Artists, designers, and individuals can work together to create a more inclusive, organic, and human-centered visual culture.

References:

Assmann, J. (2001). The Mind of Egypt: History and Meaning in the Time of the Pharaohs. New York: Henry Holt and Company.

Baines, J., & Malek, J. (2000). The Cultural Atlas of Ancient Egypt. New York: Facts on File.

Kullmann, D. (2010). The Psychology of Shape: A Study of the Emotional and Cognitive Effects of Shape. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(1), 123-132.

Roszak, T. (1992). The Voice of the Earth: An Exploration of Ecopsychology. New York: Simon & Schuster.