Another beautiful collection of art by The School of Life. I ended up feeling despair rather than the opposite of it, but it also felt good not to be alone in these feelings.

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I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love art, I am passionate about taking in new art. But, part of what I love about art is that it is open to interpretation! To enjoy it, one has to shake off judgements and that is what I struggled with in this book. The art itself is diverse, some are only appropriate for adults, but the essays are quite opinionated. A couple are dismissive of religion and have political agendas. They add huge narratives to the artwork which aren’t from the artist. As such, I didn’t find it the comforting collection I had hoped. There are several alternative art collections for those seeking rest in artworks which I would recommend, I warn sensitive readers to be careful if you choose this one

Content warning: sexual content, nudity, strong language, abuse, triggering content

I adore the School of Life. I found them initially on youtube and have loved reading their work. As someone who goes to therapy, I see this book as a Pinterest board of art to inspire me while crating and living. Would recommend to artsy folk.

I was offered this book as an ARC via NetGalley and found it an unusual insight and interpretation of a variety of artworks across a wide span of art history. The title makes this book sound as though it would be depressing but actually I found it to be surprisingly uplifting.

This beautiful gorgeous book adorned with stunning images from ancient to contemporary art from across the world and accompanied by insightful short essays, this wonderful volume from The School of Life is a love letter to visual art’s capacity to console, inspire and generate hope.
Perfect Christmas Present for Art Lovers

What I've got from this title was "against" . Well skimming through this book and stopping with reading after the first 3 art displays, seems more like "Art for despair and get even more depressed"

Art Againts 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 examines 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.
Its a book for art lovers, but also those unfamiliar with arts power to heal, in a frenetic, polarised world.

Great read for art lovers.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for my 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. The idea is that good works of art can lift our spirits and help ground us again. I love some of the chosen pictures but it is still subjective so look for other great art works that can emotionally uplift you. Overall a good book and a great idea.

"Art Against Despair" is a curatedArt therapy book for the soul. The pictures in it, and the commentary, can cheer you up and/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. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.