In my thesis I explore the emotional effects evoked by abstract art. I strive to find answers as to why we are drawn to abstract forms and why someone might be moved to tears in front of a non-figurative painting. My starting point is the work of Mark Rothko and the Rothko effect. Through these, I analyze colours and shapes, the significance of mimesis, and how we consume modern art in the 21st century. I compare abstract painting with abstract animation, and analyse the emotional impact of the latter on our emotions.