Recent research carried out by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at Kings College, London has confirmed that viewing art has a positive impact on our bodies.
The college enlisted the help of fifty volunteers ranging from 18-40 who viewed either original artwork in a gallery, or reproductions in a non-gallery setting, and were monitored for heart rate variability and changes in skin temperature using research grade digital watches.
They found that stress hormone (cortisol) levels fell by around 22% in the gallery group, whereas the levels of the group looking at reproductions only dropped by 8%. Also they found the group looking at originals had more dynamic heart activity indicating that art engages the body through emotional arousal and stress reduction.
Dr Tony Woods, from Kings College and the study’s senior author said, “Our unique and original study provides compelling evidence that viewing art in a gallery is good for you and helps to further our understanding of its fundamental benefits. In essence, art doesn’t just move us emotionally – it calms the body too.”
“Stress hormones and inflammatory markers like cortisol, IL-6 and TN-alpha are linked to a wide range of health problems, from heart disease and diabetes to anxiety and depression. The fact that viewing art lowered these markers suggests that cultural experiences may play a real role in protecting both mind and body.”
Throughout the year gallery hosts regular exhibitions and actively encourages people to visit and spend as much time as they like looking and enjoying the artwork on display. We have regular opening nights where people can meet the artists who are exhibiting in the Gallery.
We also run events including painting classes, wirework workshops and talks given by our artists and other creatives.
I sincerely hope you don’t need an excuse to come and see us, but if you do, just remember looking at art has been scientifically proven to be good for you.
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/the-positive-impact-of-art-on-the-body
