Art Against Despair - by The School of Life (Hardcover)

About the Book

Art therapy for the soul. One of the most unexpectedly useful things we can do when we're feeling glum or out of sorts is to look at pictures.

Book Synopsis

A collection of inspiring and therapeutic works of art.

Art therapy for the soul. One of the most unexpectedly useful things we can do when we're feeling glum or out of sorts is to look at pictures. The best works of art can lift our spirits, remind us of what we love and return perspective to our situation. A few moments in front of the right picture can rescue us. Art is one of the most unexpected and beautiful defenses we have against despair.

Each of the uplifting images in this collection comes paired with a brief inspirational essay. The images range widely across time and space: from ancient to modern art, east to west, and north to south. They include photography, paintings, abstract and figurative art. Each image has been carefully chosen with a particular problem in mind: a broken heart, career challenges, relationship troubles, and more.

This is a portable museum dedicated to beauty and consolation, a unique book about art which is also about psychology and healing: a true piece of art therapy.

• A CURATED COLLECTION OF ARTWORKS from artists around the world, each accompanied by an essay.
• ARTISTS INCLUDE Edgar Degas, Cy Twombly, Gustave Caillebotte, Louise Bourgeois, Hiroshi Yoshida, Johannes Vermeer, Georgia O'Keeffe and more.
• ART AS THERAPY FOR THE SOUL this book highlights the therapeutic benefit of art. Artworks featured from galleries including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Musée d'Orsay, Paris, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, The National Gallery, London and Tate Museum, London.

Review Quotes

"A beautiful and moving book that proves the redemptive power of art to lift us from our darkest, most isolated times." - Katy Hessel, @thegreatwomenartists and author of The Story of Art without Men

"Filled with images that celebrate and capture the joys of life, from cakes in a Parisian patisserie to sunlit interiors, this is the ideal book to lift your spirits when you're feeling down. Beautifully curated, there are well-known masterpieces by the likes of Vermeer, Venetian glassware and drawings by Louise Bourgeois, as well as surprising sketchbook studies of sheep by Henry Moore. Full of beautiful surprises and hidden gems from history, this book carries a great message: looking at art is good for you." - Ruth Millington, author of Muse

"[A]ll about the power of art, through art that can be joyous or sombre, and there's a welcome freshness to it." - Tabish Khan, FAD Magazine

"Art Against Despair is curated art therapy for the soul. The pictures in it, and the commentary, and cheer you up/or help you to feel less alone. The images inside are chosen with a particular issue in mind, for instance a broken heart. Highly recommended for lovers of art and writing." - NetGalley review

"Art Against Despair is a book of selected art works to
inspire hope and comfort. Each piece of
art is selected with a particular issue in mind and is accompanied with
explanatory and inspirational text It
is art therapy for the soul and the book suggests that looking at good works
of art is one of the most unexpectedly useful things we can do when we're
feeling glum or out of sorts ... Overall a good book and a great
idea." - NetGalley review

"Great read for art lovers." - NetGalley review

"Art Against Despair is a thoughtful look at how
looking at art can heal the soul. With a range of images, photography, painting
and sculpture, art is examined through time as is the emotional rollercoaster of
life. If you are feeling blue or out of your depth about a particular life
circumstance then maybe this book is for you. It's a book for art lovers, but
also those unfamiliar with art's power to heal in a frenetic, polarised
world." - NetGalley review

About the Author

The School of Life is a global organization helping people lead more fulfilled lives. Through our range of books, gifts and stationery we aim to prompt more thoughtful natures and help everyone to find fulfillment.

The School of Life is a resource for exploring self-knowledge, relationships, work, socializing, finding calm, and enjoying culture through content, community, and conversation. You can find us online, in stores and in welcoming spaces around the world offering classes, events, and one-to-one therapy sessions.

The School of Life is a rapidly growing global brand, with over 7 million YouTube subscribers, 389,000 Facebook followers, 174,000 Instagram followers and 166,000 Twitter followers.

The School of Life Press brings together the thinking and ideas of the School of Life creative team under the direction of series editor, Alain de Botton. Their books share a coherent, curated message that speaks with one voice: calm, reassuring, and sane.