Now that Hong Kong Art Week is here, find out exactly how art affects the human mind
March is officially known as “Hong Kong Art Month,” (thanks to Art Central and Art Basel Hong Kong), which provides the perfect opportunity for looking at some of the many mental health benefits of art and creativity.
It is so important and emotionally beneficial to appreciate the arts and all the ways they contribute to our sense of well-being, not only in March but throughout the year, as well.
1. Increasing empathy
Sometimes we simply need to see things from a different perspective; to literally view the world from another’s eyes, to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Art is one of the most accessible and easiest ways to achieve this feat.
Whether it’s checking out the latest gallery exhibitions of local artists telling stories through their chosen medium or watching documentaries of personal life journeys, art allows us to feel and understand the experience of others who may be quite foreign to us. This enhanced understanding increases our ability to empathise and connect with those around us from any walks of life.