Why Arts?
Expressing and Exploring
Have you ever had an emotional reaction to a work of art? Have you ever felt a wave of intense emotions, such as admiration, amazement, or inspiration, while standing before a fantastic artwork? These emotions often connect with the human side of our existence.
As human beings, we often search for ways to understand ourselves, others and the world. We also try to express our emotions, thoughts, profound feelings, desires, fears and pains. But we don’t always know how. The arts sometimes provide an effective medium for such complex expression and exploration. They give us the connections we desperately seek, let us know we are not alone, and help us make sense of our lives and find meaning in what may seem like mundane chores.
Through the arts (painting, architecture, sculpture, ceramics, sewing, knitting, literature, music, dance, acting, performing, photography, cinema, etc.), we can see intimate reflections of ourselves, the people we love or hate, and the values we strive for as we struggle through life, navigating poverty, injustice, discrimination, addiction, loss, loneliness, abuse, diseases, toxic relationships and other traumas.
Art is a multifaceted phenomenon and a medium for communication. It can be a conduit for expressing ideas and emotions, and it inspires probing questions. It can be pleasant and entrancing, mystical or spiritual, connecting us to something greater than ourselves. It can reflect our values and become a way to appreciate beauty and excellence. It can serve as an educational tool, commenting on historical or contemporary events. It is also endowed with therapeutic effects, which contribute to our well-being.
Art is a powerful tool for self-expression, enabling us to convey our emotions and feelings in ways that may not otherwise be possible. Whether through painting, sculpture, music or dance, art empowers us to communicate more widely, deeply and effectively.
Art transcends the boundaries of language, culture, time and place, and it could become a unique resource for promoting unity and peace. Art festivals, exhibitions and events could provide opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to come together, collaborate and celebrate shared interests, bringing people closer and promoting social cohesion and unity.
Appreciating beauty, art and excellence is about conscious awareness of the brilliance of being and acting in all domains of life, from nature to literature, mathematics, science, invention, fabrication, morality and aesthetics in our everyday experiences as we use, enjoy and judge the arts around us.
In positive psychology, appreciation of beauty and excellence is a strength in the primary virtue category of transcendence (one of the twenty-four subcategories of strengths). Transcendence describes character strengths that help us connect with the larger universe of existence and meaning. Other strengths in the transcendence category include gratitude, hope, humour, and spirituality (religiosity).
Using Art as Self-Care
If you used music (listening, playing or composing), walked outdoors admiring the nature or architecture of your local area, wrote a novel or a poem, baked a loaf of bread, watched a romcom movie, created a painting, or changed the decoration of your living room to make you feel better, you have used art to look after your well-being (as self-care).
Whether drawing, sculpting, cooking or crafting a decorative object, making time for art can be an excellent form of self-care. It’s not about your skill level or brilliance; it’s about doing it for fun, enjoying the process, and expressing yourself in a novel and creative way that lowers your stress and anxiety. Art has always been a source of pleasure, inspiration and comfort. Engaging in the arts has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression and improve mental health.
Participating in artistic activities (producing, consuming, and using art) can help us enhance our creativity and stimulate our imagination. Art inspires our thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to think more creatively. It opens our minds to new ideas and experiences, showing us what is possible. It is important to embrace opportunities to incorporate art into our daily lives. This could be through visiting an art studio or a museum, seeing a live show, watching a movie, reading a novel/fiction, pondering the artistic aspect of a building, or producing a painting, a statue, a piece of music or a poem.
We have three levels of perception: contextual (physical, social or historical settings), visceral (personal feelings), and reflective (questioning). Sometimes museums and galleries present art in isolation (out of context). Our lack of knowledge about the artist and the social and historical background of the work can further deepen this isolation and prevent us from understanding or seeing the point of some art. However, the more lucid and relevant the context of a work of art, the more sense it makes to us (the audience). Nonetheless, it’s okay not to like or understand a work of art.
Sometimes, art can be a form of distraction, an escape from a tumultuous and rowdy daily routine, helping us relieve everyday stresses of life. The therapeutic effects of art have been used to help people cope with trauma, improve self-esteem, and promote self-awareness. Dr Semir Zeki (professor of Developmental Biology at University College in London) stated that when we feel awe and amazement looking at a great artwork, our brain is stimulated, as when we fall in love, and our dopamine levels increase, which regulates the brain’s reward and pleasure centres.
An artistic or creative pursuit can only happen if you let go of your inhibitions and stop judging yourself, at least for a short while. Let your true colours shine through, whether they are dull, dazzling, or a mixture of hues. Explore your abilities and vulnerabilities, as well as your comfortable and uncomfortable feelings, and share them with your trusted friends through the art you create, which is much safer than any other form of confession or exposure. As a result, you grow wiser, stronger and more resilient. You also feel calmer and more peaceful. Engaging in the arts is a pathway to personal development, healing, and connection with others. It helps you find new ways to view complex situations, talk about confusing feelings or challenging experiences, and connect more effectively with other people.
When we live with physical and mental health problems, we often feel isolated. Connecting with others through art can pleasantly and safely overcome that isolation. When we share our art with others, we reveal a part of ourselves. This may invite them to share their feelings with us, bringing us closer and even inspiring our next creative work.
Creating art expands our minds, teaching us to be alert to the intricate details of the world. When we are stressed, it isn’t easy to be mindful of anything but our pain-ridden bodies. Making art turns our attention outward. People creating art often describe being in a pleasurable “flow” (or in the zone), where they lose track of time and overlook worries and bodily aches. We notice myriad colours and forms in nature, architecture and everything around us. Our lives will be broadened in many ways.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is an established form of psychotherapy that uses art as the primary mode of expression and communication. It aims to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by promoting autonomy, agency (control) and self-worth (being lovable). It also helps people develop self-awareness, self-compassion and self-care.
Art therapy is a form of abstract or indirect exploration (of self, others or issues) in a safe environment (time and place) with someone who won’t judge you but supports you in making sense of your thoughts and perceptions. Art therapy may help, particularly if people find it challenging to put their thoughts and feelings into words or to deal with painful memories of trauma. Some people find that engaging in a creative activity with their therapist helps them feel at ease and makes the process more bearable.
You do not need to be skilled in the arts to benefit from art therapy, as the focus is on the creative process rather than the quality of the end product. It’s about the emotions you feel, the insights you gain and the confidence and dignity you restore.
Remember, art therapy can only be practised by professionals with the correct qualifications. Be aware of advertisements that incorrectly present products or services as “art therapy”. Two such examples include art therapy apps and adult colouring books.
Although not yet extensive, research suggests that art therapy could help with numerous mental health problems, including anxiety and depression (particularly among cancer patients and those in isolation), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), various forms of psychological trauma (e.g., neglect, rejection or abuse) and psychosis (conditions such as schizoaffective disorder).
As with all treatments, art therapy works differently for different people at different times. Not everyone finds art therapy helpful. You may access art therapy through the NHS as part of a mental health service. Ask your GP or psychiatrist about the availability of art therapy in your area. For more information about art therapy, contact the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT—https://baat.org/).
In conclusion, art is a vital aspect of human life that can enrich and transform us in countless ways. It can inspire, educate, entertain, challenge, and even heal us. It helps us make sense of the world, connect with others, and explore profound questions of existence and meaning. Moreover, art can significantly impact society by promoting cultural appreciation, raising awareness of social and political issues, and serving as a catalyst for change. It reminds us of the beauty and complexity of the human experience. It challenges us to think deeply and critically, explore new perspectives, and connect with others more deeply.
