Great art, she felt, had a calming effect on the viewer; it made one stop in awe, which is exactly what Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol did not do. You did not stop in awe. They stopped you in your tracks, perhaps, but that was not the same thing; awe was something quite different
The protagonist in "The Sunday Philosophy Club" believes that true great art should invoke a sense of calm and awe in its viewers. Rather than interrupting one's thoughts or jarring them into a reaction, great art should foster a moment of reflection and appreciation. This emotional response is contrasted with the works of contemporary artists like Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol, who evoke a different reaction altogether.
These modern artists, while impactful, tend to halt the viewer's experience rather than encouraging a tranquil contemplation. Their art may grab attention, but according to the protagonist, it lacks the depth required for genuine awe. This highlights a distinction between art that captivates and art that truly resonates, suggesting that the qualities of calm and reflection are essential to the experience of appreciating great art.
