A new study shows that our brains react in a similar way whether we are in love or whether we are looking at beautiful artwork. Research by Professor Semir Zeki demonstrates that looking at art stimulates our brains which create the same chemical response as when we are in love. This is just further evidence that art may prove beneficial for those that are feeling down or depressed.
Professor Semir talks more about this in the following video posted by the United Kingdom’s ArtFund.
Video: Art Stimulates Brain Same as Being in Love
Art Gives Same Level of Pleasure as Being in Love – Transcript
Narrator:
Art lovers have long thought that art is important to our well-being, but they had no proof…until now. New research into how the brain works by Semir Zeki, Professor of Neurobiology and Neuroesthetics at University College London has uncovered how our brains react when we look at art. And it seems as if art lovers were right all along.
Semir Zeki:
There have been very significant new advances in our understanding of what happens in our brain when we look at works of art. We’ve recently found that when we look at things whic we consider to be beautiful, the activity in the pleasure and reward centers of the brain goes up. There is a lot of dopamine, which is also known as a feel-good neurotransmitter, in these areas. So, basically the feel-good centers are being stimulated.
We have looked at the activity in different brain areas by putting people in a scanner and showing them pictures. When they experience beauty there are areas of the brain which activity goes up significantly. It is also released, for example, in a state of love and desire. So that, in a sense, it induces a feel-good factor.
Girl 1:
It just gives you a whole new perspective on so many different things.
Guy 1:
It lifts you out of the mundanity of life.
Girl 2:
It makes me feel good.
Narrator:
The findings coincide with David Cameron’s concerns around UK well-being, which led him to commission the happiness index in April with the results being published this summer.
With art engendering such a feel-good factor, the Art Fund’s launch of the National ArtPass is set to be good news for the government as well as the population at large.
Dr. Stephen Deuchar – Director, The Art Fund:
By holding the National ArtPass, you get access to hundreds of museums across the country and the art that lies within them, and special discounts, and special access generally.
Grayson Perry:
I get responses from all levels of society that are quite emotional sometimes because they identify their own lives in it and their own issues. Life without art would be a series of emails…it would be quite boring.
Related Story:
Art Heals Elders, Relieves Depression and Anxiety
Love this article…no wonder I’m so happy!
Great article, the feelings we get from Art, it just elevate us to another level of been.
I’d love to read the study. Can you provide the title and publication?
wow this is so true.. so often i see the results working with my students it is now good to have information to pass on to clients.
I would love to share our Workbook/DVD set, Leftovers, the Ups and Downs of a Compulsive on your website. We use expressive arts therapies to address eating disorders, body image dissatisfaction, and size acceptance. How would I proceed?
Warmly, Dr. Deah Schwartz
Wonderful article, thanks for the illumination.
art is EVERYTHING.. in my mind. a couple years ago i was told about art therapy.. and NOW im absolutely in love with it and i want to be an art therapist even if it takes me forever. art has always been in my family and i know thats all i wanted to do.. but wasnt sure because i want to do everything. but art therapy.. sounds like me. especially because.. a couple years ago.. i was stuck between art and psychology haha :] my counselor told me.. ART THERAPY!.. and i thought.. hmmm.. i dunno..(i was 18 at the time.. i am now 21).. and right now.. its past 4am.. and i finally realized how amazing this field is. ive been depressed.. and have been drinking a lot since ive been young.. younger than 18.. a lot of struggles.. and a lot i need to fix. im an artist myself.. and when i paint or draw.. it helps me SO much. so.. id like to say that i love this article too :] looking at art helps so much.. but then actually MAKING the art.. is an incredible feeling :] took me a lot to share something like that.. im real shy. but thats why i want to help others.. like im helping myself. if anyone is reading this.. thats great! :] thanks :]
grayson perry…… sounds like me
I’de love to know what where specifically you found this article. I want to learn more! Thanks 🙂
know where*
Hey! Does anyone know when this study was done?
Hello,
I’m a writer for Spry Magazine. I’m looking for a women in her 30-50s who has learned to manage her depression, perhaps through art. Do you know of anyone like that who might be willing to speak to me? Thanks.
I have been living with Medication Resistant Major Depression and Generalised Anxiety Disorder since 1998, and one of the ways I use to help me manage my moods is to visit my local Art Gallery. (Manning Regional Art Gallery in Taree NSW Australia). When my mood dips or my anxiety is over the top, I find both the art works and the peace that seems to pervade art galleries, helps me to find a bit more inner peace. I use the viewing of the art works as a mindfulness practice, just taking in that work observing the details, the colours, the texture of the pieces. Just taking it all in, and letting go of other intrusive or unhelpful thoughts. I also create my own art at home as another way of managing my illness, getting thoughts, feelings, out of my head and onto something else helps take their power away. While I have always (even as a teen) attended art galleries just for my own pleasure, it is only in the last year that I discovered that creating art can be just as pleasurable, it had been one thing I thought I could never do.. Now other people are enjoying my art work.
Great article! Till yet people were not aware of any such connection between art and mental well-being of an individual. Now that it’s scientifically proven, therapists can try using art to treat the patients of depression and anxiety.