Written by founder of The School of Life, Alain de Botton, and British philosopher, John Armstrong, Art as Therapy promises its readers a deeply thought-provoking exploration of the healing power of art.
In de Botton and Armstrong’s eyes, art is a profound instrument for emotional growth and transformation. No longer is the art world one of exclusivity and esoterism. Instead, they argue, art is about the everyday struggles of individuals, welcoming all, regardless of their art history knowledge.
Seamlessly blending philosophy, psychology and art history in an accessible and approachable mode, the authors offer insight on a diverse set of artworks. Discriminating neither period nor culture, they interpret under a therapeutic vision. Under this lens, aesthetics, skill and style do not determine whether an artwork is good or bad. In some ways, what is on the canvas is irrelevant, as the book tells viewers to look beyond the canvas and into the depths and crevices of their minds. Art is subjective as emotional needs differ between individuals, and thus, some works are more fulfilling than others.
Take Mark Rothko’s huge black canvases for instance. Some viewers are transfixed and moved by the intensity and force of the darkness in front of them. While others stand by confused at such a strong emotional reaction, yet are rapt and transported by the passion of the Romantics.
This innovative approach to viewing art lays out the symbiotic relationship between art and the human psyche. The authors even argue for the revision of art galleries. Rather than being intimidating institutions, “dead libraries for the creations of the past” the authors write rather radically, art galleries would become like a tour of the complexities of the human mind, each floor or exhibition space reflecting different emotions and sensibilities. Art as Therapy’s contribution to literature on art theory is ground-breaking. Not only a testimony to the richness of art, but the book also changes readers’ perspectives, transforming trips to exhibitions and galleries into destination points on their life-long journeys to self-discovery.
“Mark Rothko, Black, Red over Black on Red” by f_snarfel is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.