Ben Hamilton

Do Manet’s asparagus remind you of your struggling long-term relationship?

Art can heal, argue Alain de Botton and John Armstrong in Art as Therapy. If they had their way the Tate Modern would have a 'Gallery of Suffering' and a 'Gallery of Compassion'

To gaze at Manet’s asparagus and to see a reflection of your struggling long-term relationship might not be the best way to approach a painting ["1996-98 AccuSoft Inc., All right"] 
issue 04 January 2014

In calling their book Art as Therapy Alain de Botton and John Armstrong have taken the direct route. They’re not waiting for us to interpret their motive: their title tells us everything.

Art, the theory goes, can help us improve our psychological state in a way that’s progressive and cumulative. It can assist our relationships, our careers, our money concerns.

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