"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life," Picasso supposedly said. Now science confirms he was right. A new study shows that viewing art in galleries reduces cortisol levels and inflammatory markers in the body.
"Cultural experiences may play a real role in protecting both mind and body," concluded the researchers. Participants who spent time in art galleries showed measurably lower stress levels than control groups.
“Now science confirms he was right.”
The findings have implications for public health policy, suggesting that arts funding could be considered a form of preventive healthcare.
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