Art is and has long been valued for the emotional response it provokes. Now, researchers have proof that viewing original art not only evokes a variety of feelings, but it also restores and improves mental and long-term physical health.
A new study by King’s College London has discovered evidence that viewing original art in galleries can improve stress levels and overall health. It is paving the way for the integration of art and wellbeing. These findings can help us better support our mental health, reduce loneliness and depression, and potentially foster a longer lifespan and improved life satisfaction.
Their procedure was simple: 50 healthy adults aged between 18 and 40 viewed original masterpieces by artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Édouard Manet at The Courtauld Gallery in London. Another group looked at reproductions in a non-gallery setting. Researchers attached sensors to measure heart rate and skin temperature. They also took saliva samples before and after their trip.
The results showed gallery-goers had a drop in stress hormones, or cortisol levels, by 22%, compared to only 8% in the reproduction group. Additionally, pro-inflammatory cytokines (细胞活素) fell by 30% and 28%, respectively, indicating lowered inflammation. Also, signs of emotional engagement, such as small drops in skin temperature, variation in heart-rate patterns, and increased heart rate overall during the gallery visit suggest that art can both calm and stimulate the body at once.
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