Art as Therapy

I think of “Art as Therapy” as a philosophy book that is heavily illustrated with a delightful and motley collection of art. And if you’ve read other books by the co-author Alain de Botton, then you will recognize his refreshing quips and wit peppered throughout this book, even in the photo captions. How unique to marry art and philosophy the way that de Botton and co-author John Armstrong have, and the resulting marriage is a volume that is jam-packed with wisdom, but that remains constantly entertaining. If I could give a rating of more than five stars, I would. I don’t buy many books, but this is one to own. I gave “Art as Therapy” to my daughter who recently graduated from college as an art major, and I hope that she will find time to read it often and with focus, because I believe that she will be a better person for it. I think a college course using just this one book, and taught by the right professor, would be a huge hit with students and would benefit them in every way. And about teaching...the authors refer to Herbert Read, an art critic and lecturer, who, in their words, educated with “kindness” and “took it for granted that decent, intelligent, well-intentioned people might not know very much about art.” De Botton and Armstrong obviously took note, because their own book educates, but never condescends. As with Read’s approach, in this book “you are allowed to start, with honour, where you are.” Highly recommended.

I love this method of using artworks to connect with emotional issues that link people.

I very much enjoyed the first part of de Botton's new book, which he calls "methodology". In this section, he elucidates 7 areas of the human condition commonly addressed in art (suffering, love, etc.). This section reads as a very moving meditation on old ideas brought into very thoughtful new focus.After this section ends, though, I felt de Botton lost his way a bit. The remainder of the book feels less deeply thought-out, as if maybe he was writing for a looming deadline (which is rather doubtful, given his excellent track record of publishing successful books, and his personal fortune). The book disappointingly veers off into a persuasive essay on how public art should be displayed and considered, and stops being fresh and original.I was left wanting to re-read the first chapter, and wishing de Botton and his co-author would re-write the remainder. The book is beautifully constructed, and the illustrations are worth the price of the whole thing. It's certainly worth reading, even if it does leave the reader wishing for less political opinion, and more thoughtful discourse on the nature of art and healing.

While a number of the examples the authors give for how specific works of art can help us cope with life's stressors seem overdrawn to me, I still had to appreciate this book as yet another collection of Alain de Botton's very unique and refreshing insights. Whether writing about love, employment, religion or airports, he shows how we can view familiar things with a whole different perspective. I often compare reading Alain de Botton's writings to eating cheesecake; they are so rich that I only consume small portions at a time. In between readings, I enjoy ruminating over his insights and testing them against my own experiences.His, incidentally, are among the few books that I won't loan out to anyone. If necessary, I will buy a second copy to send to friends.

Alain de Botton has excellent and innovative insights into the therapeutic effects of art, both for the creator and the viewer. His interpretations and comparisons of the illustrations increase the understanding of the reader. For example, he illustrates the profound educational value of art in his interpretation of Velasquez's The Surrender of Breda which shows the victorious general recognizing the merits of his opponents and treating them with respect and consideration. "It is a memorial to unusually good and noble conduct." Art has often been used to promote values. On the other side, he criticizes the misuse of the visual arts in a huge ad for Chanel perfume desecrating an historic building in Paris. And his prose is beautiful. The combination makes a wonderful read and leaves one with many thoughtful insights. This book is a pleasure to read.

This book has become for me a key reference to understand myself and the art. whicch stimulates me and causes me to revisit the items and meditate.

Interesting but not sure I can agree with all his premises

I began with this book of de Botton's, and am now reading Consolations of Philosophy. And I read Architecture of Happiness. Nary a fault in any of them. Come as you are! I've given this book to two people and recommended it to many others. It has something for everyone. No lingo, no high falutin' art history (snore) just meditations on one's visceral and emotional responses to pictures. and sculpture. and architecture. de Botton has a tenderness for beauty and practicality that extends far and wide. No "insider information" is needed to enjoy these deeply thoughtful and generous minded books. Try 'em all!