Mindfulness and Art Appreciation

Suddenly, how often do you visit art museums or galleries?

Some people may consider art appreciation a hobby, while others may only visit when a particular exhibition catches their interest. On the other hand, many people might feel intimidated by the term "art appreciation" or think they lack the knowledge to understand art, leading them to distance themselves from it.

Art appreciation is said to stimulate and soothe the mind. Studies in medicine and science have shown that it can promote relaxation and reduce stress. Museums and art galleries can be spaces for self-reflection and mindfulness.

In this article, we will explore the connection between art appreciation and mindfulness, introducing a method called "dialogue-based viewing" (Visual Thinking Strategies) as a way to experience mindfulness while appreciating art.

The Mindfulness Benefits of Art Appreciation

Art appreciation is known to have a relaxing effect on both the mind and body.

Viewing beautiful paintings or sculptures can reduce stress responses in the brain and activate neural circuits associated with joy and pleasure. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are released, creating a sense of happiness and relaxation.

By focusing on the artwork in front of you, you can momentarily detach from regrets about the past or anxieties about the future, allowing yourself to fully engage in the present moment. This shift in awareness supports mindfulness.

Collaboration Between Medical Associations and Museums—Initiatives Abroad

It is said that the average Japanese person visits an art museum or gallery only once or twice a year. But what about in other countries?

In the U.S., many museums and galleries host mindfulness programs, while in Canada and Belgium, medical associations have collaborated with museums on remarkable initiatives.

Here, we will take a closer look at some of these programs.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

As of 2024, it appears that the program is no longer in place, but from October 2016, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York held a mindfulness program called Quiet Mornings. The program encouraged participants to "slowly appreciate art, clear their minds, turn off their phones, and gain inspiration for the day and the week ahead" while engaging in group meditation.

Not only in New York but also in cities across the U.S., such as Washington, D.C., and Salt Lake City, more museums and art institutions have been introducing mindfulness programs.

Practicing meditation and mindfulness at a museum before heading to work might seem like a luxury, even unsettling for those accustomed to fast-paced daily life. However, in an era where time flies by at a relentless speed, taking just a few moments to slow down and connect with oneself can be incredibly valuable.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Since 2018, the Canadian Francophone Medical Association has partnered with the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to implement a groundbreaking program where doctors prescribe museum visits to patients suffering from various mental and physical health issues.

Studies have shown that visiting museums and art institutions can influence cortisol levels, a hormone linked to stress. Through this initiative, patients can receive up to 50 free admission tickets annually, allowing them to bring their family members along as well.

Museums and Art Institutions in Belgium

In Brussels, Belgium, a trial project was launched in September 2021, running for three months, where doctors provided free museum admission prescriptions to patients.

At the time, the world was still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was spearheaded by Delphine Houba, a Brussels city council member who strongly believed in "the power of art to improve people's mental health." The initiative was inspired by the Canadian museum prescription program mentioned earlier.

Museums and art institutions often have a quiet, somewhat formal atmosphere that can make visitors feel a bit tense. If the museum is crowded, it can be difficult to concentrate, and some may feel exhausted after simply walking through the exhibits.

However, discovering that museums and art spaces can actually be places of relaxation was an eye-opening realization. This perspective shift may change the way we approach visits to these cultural institutions in the future.

Mindful Art Appreciation: The Key Points of VTS

When you visit a museum or art gallery, how much time do you spend engaging with a single artwork, such as a painting or a sculpture? Studies show that the average time spent in front of one piece is about one minute—just 10 seconds of looking at the artwork, followed by 50 seconds of reading its description. At this pace, there is little room for truly connecting with the artwork or experiencing a sense of calm.

According to the Japan Mindfulness Society, mindfulness is defined as "intentionally focusing awareness on the present moment without judgment or attachment, simply observing things as they are."

This brings us to VTS (Visual Thinking Strategies)—a method of art appreciation that encourages mindfulness and deeper engagement with art. Here are three key points to help you fully immerse yourself in art through VTS.

What is VTS (Visual Thinking Strategies)?

VTS, short for Visual Thinking Strategies, is a method of interactive art appreciation developed in the 1980s by Philip Yenawine, then Director of Education at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and Abigail Housen, a cognitive psychologist.

Unlike traditional art appreciation, where viewers rely on background information about the artist or historical context, VTS encourages open-ended discussion based on personal interpretation and imagination. Instead of reading descriptions, participants observe the artwork and share their thoughts freely while also listening to the perspectives of others.

This interactive approach is believed to enhance the following skills:

・Critical thinking: The ability to analyze and interpret visual information.
・Communication skills: Expressing observations and ideas in words.
・Active listening: Engaging with and considering other people's viewpoints.

Originally developed as an educational program for children, dialogue-based art appreciation has recently gained attention as a teaching method in schools and businesses.

Now, let's explore three key points of art appreciation following the dialogue-based approach.

1.  Observe the Artwork Without Prior Knowledge

Before reading the description, spend 10 to 20 minutes looking at the artwork. Whether it's a painting or a sculpture, focus on your immediate impressions and emotional responses.

The key here is not to search for a “correct” interpretation—there is no single right answer. Instead, allow yourself to freely experience the artwork and interpret it in your own way.

2. Ask Yourself Questions

In VTS, participants deepen their understanding by discussing different interpretations. A facilitator usually guides the conversation with three key questions:

・What is happening in this artwork?
・What makes you say that?
・What else can you discover?

Even without a group discussion, you can apply these questions to your own observations. If a particular artwork catches your attention, ask yourself, “Why did this piece stand out to me?” Even a simple question like “Do I like this or not?” can be a good starting point.

Embrace Your Feelings as They Are

There is no single "correct" interpretation of a work of art. Express what you feel by putting it into words and accept your emotions just as they are. When you sharpen your senses and focus fully on the artwork in front of you, your concentration and awareness naturally improve.

When you take the time to engage with a piece in a museum or gallery, discovering your own perspective and interpretation can also be a form of mindfulness.

Museums as Spaces for Mindfulness and Self-Reflection

Art appreciation is not about finding the "correct" answer—it's about engaging with the artwork, asking questions, and embracing what you feel in the moment. Whether visiting a museum alone or with others, why not try VTS-style discussions?

Here are the key questions again:

・What is happening in this artwork?
・What makes you say that?
・What else can you discover?

Engage in open conversation and enjoy the fact that no two people will have the same answer!

Additionally, studies show that art appreciation has relaxation benefits. Programs in Canada and Belgium have even introduced "museum prescriptions", where doctors recommend museum visits for mental and physical well-being. It would be wonderful if similar initiatives were introduced in Japan as well.

As autumn is often called the "season of art," why not check out museum schedules both in Japan and abroad? Mindful art appreciation can lead to new discoveries and deeper self-awareness.

Wouldn’t it be exciting to experience art in a completely new way?

Thank you for reading!