LOOKING at art can light up the pleasure centre in the brain and release dopamine, the feel-good chemical, which is why visiting a gallery can be a valuable act of self-care, especially in the coming cold, dark winter months.
East London-based art therapist Alex Monk said viewing art in-person in a gallery, rather than virtually, elevates the experience.
"It might be the smell, or even seeing the shine of the paint.
"You might even be able to interact with the art on another level," he said.
"There is also a community aspect to walking around the gallery and looking at paintings or sculptures, which is very important," Monk added.
It helps that many galleries and museums are works of art in their own right.
Nottingham-based art psychotherapist Sofie Dobbelaere agrees that going to a gallery to view art can be a powerful healing experience.
"When we look at art, we connect with our humanity, and therefore are pulled into dialogue with something outside of ourselves.
"We live in a fast-paced culture, often consuming great works of art as quickly as we do content on our phones.
"But the act of engaging with art often defies our own deadlines and boundaries of time, inviting us to look a little longer," said Dobbelaere.
It's the kind of self-care that can be free to view and open to all.
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