Looking at Art Online Has a Similar Effect on Mental Health as Looking at Physical Art
"When study participants were asked to explore online exhibitions of either a Monet painting or a display of Japanese culinary traditions, they reported improved mental health and reduced negative moods with just a couple minutes of engagement.
Just 5 Minutes of Art Can Help Your Brain
Benefits of Art Extend to Virtual Spaces
Chamberlain explains, "It’s important to note that some art has controversial subject matter, and some historic art pieces may even have content that is insensitive or offensive to some viewers. It is important to examine how viewing this type of art could impact mental health, especially if the subject matter triggers a trauma response in the viewer."
Accessible Art Improves Mental Health
Anna Boyd, LPC, a licensed professional counselor with Mindpath Health, asks, "Have you ever thought about why pediatric doctor’s offices are filled with fun illustrations and playful colors? Research continues to support the idea that viewing and experiencing art holds the capacity to reduce feelings of loneliness and combat depressive symptoms."
As a creative arts therapist, Boyd has witnessed art as a modality of language that allows clients to articulate their experiences through the lens of imagery. "Limbic experiences of the brain engage both the emotional and somatic processing of stories," she says.
Boyd highlights, "Art creates a level of aesthetic distance that creates emotional safety when recalling painful stories. If there is a level of feeling removed from the story directly, we can relate to art and stories in a new way that promotes healing and personal growth.""
Read the complete article available at Very Well Mind!
Reflection:
What do you feel when looking at art?
*I recently went to a digital art exhibition showing Van Gogh's best works and it was simply spectacular. I was in awe the whole time. It evoked a sense of calmness in me. It was a terrific experience*
#Art #MentalHealth #Brain #Research
@comfortableNight4463
I wanted to go to Van Gogh's museum this year so much! Unfortunately, it was all booked and two paintings from him in another gallery were currently borrowed as well. It really made me so disappointed.
I wanted to see them in reality, but maybe I will also consider the digital version. I love that every piece of art can produce such a variety of different emotions and one painting can have several different interpretations.
@globalBraid3744 I'm sorry about the situation. I hope you can go to a good digital exhibition. What are you favorite Van Gogh pieces?
@comfortableNight4463
I love Starry Night and Almond Blossom the most. What about you? Do you have any favorite painters?
@globalBraid3744 Those are beautiful! Love them. I like Banksy's work as well.
@comfortableNight4463
This is great! I love street art. I have been once to Orgosolo city which is full of street art and I enjoyed it so much
@globalBraid3744 That sounds amazing!
@comfortableNight4463 It's so nice to have art available anytime! Sometimes it can ease the mind like nothing else. Thanks for the post!
@calmDew1576 I agree! Art can be so soothing. Thanks for reading!