Art therapy, when paintings evoke emotions

When it comes to talk about art and its respected benefits, there are tons of scientific or medical articles: each shape, each form, and each color transmits a different message to our brain through light receptors, and produces different sensations. The perception of art and its effects is strictly linked to our emotions, perceptions of colors and memories. However, two philosophies, Alain de Botton and John Armstrong, deeply believe that art can help us with our most intimate and ordinary dilemmas, allowing us to think outside of the box or just to relieve mental pressures.

If you type “art benefits” on Google, you will find a lot of articles explaining how self-expression through artistic creation has therapeutic value for those who are healing or, seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their personalities. Drawing and painting are two ways to considerably enhance our motricity, creativity, concentration, capability and reduce stress . However, we usually forget about the contemplative function of art and its positive virtues.

Again, nobody has the exact same experience when standing in front of art. Trying to perceive a message or an emotion in a painting can be challenging but it is something that we can all improve on with a bit of introspection. Art should be seen as a way to exercise self-reflection and to better understand ourselves. It might sound crazy but a simple painting can literally change your life and your perceptions!