Art as Therapy

Overview

Going to an art gallery is always a somewhat therapeutic experience. The walls are painted a serene and unobtrusive white, everything is quiet and still, and each work offers a small refuge from the grind of the everyday. Art offers your the opportunity to float in Monet's garden or become transfixed in a unique moment.

Alain de Botton has made a career out of everyday advice such as this. Founder of The School of Life, de Botton specialises in secular sermons and the exploration of everyday problems. And, to coincide with the launch of the school's Melbourne branch, de Botton and philosopher John Armstrong are taking their wisdom to the NGV. The two creatives have specially written labels for over 60 works in the gallery's collection and created a smartphone app that re-contextualises each work to challenge your assumptions and unearth hidden wisdom. This is a duo who quite literally wrote the book on the subject, so it would be in your best interest to take part. It's for your own emotional wellbeing.

The Art as Therapy program will be launched with a secular sermon by de Botton on Wednesday, March 26, and the tour will remain available at the NGV until late September.