Art as Therapy: A Journey Through the 7 Functions of Art

In their book Art as Therapy, Alain de Botton and John Armstrong propose that art can play a critical role in addressing our emotional and psychological needs, offering much more than mere visual enjoyment. They argue that art can act as a therapeutic tool, helping individuals better understand themselves, their lives, and their experiences.

At its core, Art as Therapy suggests that art can provide comfort, insight, and clarity. It offers us a space to explore feelings that are hard to articulate and encourages reflection on our place in the world. The book outlines seven distinct functions of art, each aiming to serve a specific emotional or psychological purpose.

The 7 Functions of Art

Remembering Art has a unique power to preserve moments, histories, and personal memories. It helps us reconnect with our past and reflect on our experiences. Whether it's through portraits, historical paintings, or even abstract works that evoke a sense of nostalgia, art can act as a memory vault, reminding us of who we are and where we’ve come from. It provides a sense of continuity and context for our personal journeys.
Hope At times when we feel stuck or overwhelmed, art offers a vision of what could be. It serves as a beacon of possibility and encourages optimism. Art presents us with ideals, whether through uplifting images, symbolic depictions, or dreamlike scenes that inspire a sense of hope. It reminds us that things can improve, and that transformation, though difficult, is always possible.
Sorrow Art gives us a safe space to process grief, loss, and sadness. It allows us to confront the complexities of sorrow without feeling judged or misunderstood. Whether through melancholic landscapes or emotionally intense works, art can help us navigate our deepest, most difficult feelings. In this way, it becomes a tool for emotional release, offering solace by acknowledging our pain.
Re-balancing Life can throw us off-balance with stress, anxiety, or inner turmoil. Art can help restore a sense of equilibrium. The very act of creating or contemplating art can be meditative, providing clarity and calm. Through abstract forms, harmonious compositions, or even chaotic works that mirror our inner state, art can help us find peace by giving form to our feelings and allowing us to externalise internal conflicts.
Self-Knowledge Art provides a mirror to the self, inviting us to reflect on our thoughts, desires, and unconscious motivations. It helps us recognise parts of ourselves that we may not fully understand or acknowledge. Through visual symbolism, metaphors, or representations of human experiences, art encourages introspection and self-awareness. It can challenge our assumptions and lead to important revelations about who we are.
Growth Art supports personal development by encouraging new ways of seeing and thinking. It promotes emotional and intellectual growth by confronting us with new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. By interacting with art—whether it’s a challenging piece or something that resonates deeply—we are pushed to grow beyond our comfort zones. Art challenges us to expand our horizons, both emotionally and cognitively.
Social Connection Art has the power to bridge gaps between individuals and communities. It can foster empathy and understanding by expressing shared human experiences. It offers a language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Whether through public installations, performances, or exhibitions, art creates opportunities for people to connect, reflect together, and communicate on a deeper, more universal level.

Conclusion

In a world that often prioritises productivity over introspection, Art as Therapy reminds us of the profound ways that art can serve our emotional and psychological needs. The 7 functions outlined by de Botton and Armstrong underscore that art is not just an aesthetic experience, but a powerful tool for personal growth, emotional healing, and social connection. Whether it’s helping us remember, find hope, or explore sorrow, art offers something deeply human: a space to feel understood, to heal, and to grow. Have a look at your art collection and discover that what you have hanging on the walls maybe more than decorative items.