Art as Therapy Hardcover – October 14, 2013

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 don't think the title conveys the richness of insight and clear-eyed observation free of the pretentiousness and cant of much writing about art. There are no clichés of pop psychology or 'therapy speak' or preoccupation with gender and other issues of political correctness associated with 'therapy'.

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.

I found this book both personally enjoyable and useful for my volunteer role as the person training docents for the new Vernon Filley Art Museum in Pratt, KS. With training about to begin, I wanted a way to encourage independent thinking and active discussion at the close of our training sessions. The ideas of Alain de Botton and John Armstrong gave me fresh ideas. The images in the book are beautiful, for whatever purpose readers have. Pratt, KS is a small city, and viewing fine art at their own local museum will be a new experience for many visitors from the surrounding region. The authors' suggestions for breaking down some of the elitist and academic barriers that discourage ordinary people from a full appreciation of fine art are worth a try.

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.

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!

This book shows what is so deeply wrong with how most art galleries and museums currently display art. This is a book which beautifully reminds us of the true purpose of art - as expressions of the many facets of the human condition - and how we can get much more meaning, enjoyment and connect with art by connecting with it in that way. Read this and fall back in love with art for what it can show us about life. And forget about reading those dull, soulless descriptions of paintings which galleries try to distract us with. They so completely miss the point!

All of a sudden I realise that I am an Alain de Botton fan - I have read so many of his books. He convinced methat I could and should read Proust's A la Recherche and so I did thus creating a momentous event in my life.(Read it and see for yourself). Art as Therapy is a book to cherish, you can't really read it in one sitting orcall it quits on the last page. It is a handbook, a guide to teaching you over a long period of time how to lookat and utilize the works of art in our world. Alain helps to demystify the world, at least he has for me! Simplelanguage wtih a pervasive pleasantness.

This book is truly englightening. Describes historical and contemporary art by dissecting the subject into a variety of topics that art operates within; growth, nature, hope, sorrow, joy, etc, as well as going beyond the emotional mechanisms of art and the people that like it. It feels intellectual and easy to read, making astounding points without the need for noticeable and deliberately 'mystifying' language. Tasteful illustrations and art included too. An essential read, I would probably pay double the price for this.

Bought as a present for someone else after receiving it as a present myself. Opens up a wealth of thoughts and ideas. Good if you want an interesting art book or could use a little therapy. Good to dip into and relax, even if you don't need either.

This is the best art book I have ever bought. It is really thought provoking and enjoyable. If you're unsure on this, get it! You won't be disappointed, unless you just have bad taste. Ha!