Abstract Art As Therapy

Abstract Art as Therapy

Abstract art is not just a mixture of colourful meaningless patterns and arbitrary shapes.

The choice of colours, patterns and size of canvas can express different emotions. Sometimes expressing oneself verbally is difficult to articulate your true feelings. However, using paint to paper seems much easier.

Expression through abstract art is freeing. There is no ‘real life’ comparison to what has been created. There is no standard to evaluate from. This suspension of judgment can help release tension or help the mind free itself and open to new possibilities. In a way, this can be viewed as similar to therapy.

Viewer Value

As a viewer, there is a definite therapeutic value to be found in most of the cryptic marks.

Certainly, colour plays an obvious healing and therapeutic role to be found in a carefully selected crafted piece.  Vast areas of empty colour space might add a general feeling of peace and quiet to an otherwise noisy and hectic environment. With a gentle sense of immersion into abstract stillness can slow down any critical or erratic thinking. Even assist with the adrenal challenge of a creative.

Indefinite shapes or patterns by the likes of Jackson Pollock, Peter Lanyon, and Howard Hodgkin show a very positive association. May perhaps persuade a mind filled with illogical thoughts to pause. Simply take in the apparent spontaneity, and then take a different direction.

Some works can be seen as puzzle in which the observer has no real point of reference. Therefore, the viewer is free to “start” anywhere upon the picture. Since there are very few defined areas, sometimes the observer inevitably finds themself either regarding the piece with little emotion. Therefore can freely make a comment – positive or not.

Let us not deny, however, the fact that many an image that has the potential to provoke a negative response. This can also be of great value to the observer who might benefit from seeing such a challenging picture that bears such a bad association. Better there on the wall than here inside the head.

In this case the classic associations of red for blood and danger, black for death and sin, brown for decay and illness. In addition to dramatic lines and movements found in a painting are equally valuable stimuli if revealed within the appropriate environment.

Choice of Artwork

Abstract Art has a unique quality of provoking radically different views, emotions, and opinions among those looking at it. That’s why abstract art has proven to be the best choice for collaborative workspaces. Abstract art has the power of unlocking people’s creative potential without distracting too much from the discussion and issues at hand.  

Take a look at out own Elena Marin’s Artwork, Carsten Arnold’s photography, June Corstorphine’s Alcohol Ink Artwork and Denis Halliwell’s ‘Lobelia‘ on the Art Hive. 

Where have you noticed abstract art? Where would be a great place for abstract art? Let us know your thoughts.