Post by Madalina Dobraca

“Art holds out the promise of inner wholeness.” Alain de Botton – philosopher and author born on this day (December 20) in 1969 – on ‘Art as Therapy’ and the 7 psychological functions of art: ♾️ Remembering ♾️ Hope ♾️ Sorrow ♾️ Rebalancing ♾️ Self-understanding ♾️ Growth ♾️ Appreciation Featured Artist (or what #HOPE might look like): Henry Matisse, Dance (II) “The dancers in Matisse’s painting are not in denial of the troubles of this planet, but from the standpoint of our imperfect and conflicted — but ordinary — relationship with reality, we can look to their attitude for encouragement. They put us in touch with a blithe, carefree part of ourselves that can help us cope with inevitable rejections and humiliations. The picture does not suggest that all is well, any more than it suggests that women always delight in each other’s existence and bond together in mutually supportive networks.” Alain de Botton – ‘Art as Therapy’ by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong Featured Artworks and Mixed Media inspired by Matisse’s Dance: Tammam Azzam (SY), 'Matisse', Syrian Museum series Dorit Levinstein (IL), ‘Matisse Dancers’ ©Shai Halevi Emanuel Mårdsjö (SE), Together Julia Trhnv (RU), Matisse Dance Inspiration #artbasedlearning #arttherapy #psychology #alaindebotton #matisse