A study has concluded that viewing original artworks in exhibitions can help to reduce stress levels immediately. Researchers also showed that looking at art has a 'positive effect' on the immune system, nervous system, and the endocrine system responsible for hormone secretion. They added that the results suggest that art not only moves emotions but can also calm the body. The study, conducted by experts at King's College in London, involved 50 people aged between 18 and 40. Half of the participants viewed original artworks by artists such as Van Gogh and Cézanne at the Courtauld Gallery in London, while the other half viewed copies of the same paintings in a non-artistic environment. Participants wore sensors to continuously measure heart rate and skin temperature during the 20-minute session, and saliva samples were taken before and after viewing. The samples showed that levels of the stress hormone 'cortisol' decreased by an average of 22% among those who viewed the original works, compared to a decrease of only 8% among those who viewed the copies. Additionally, some cytokines, which are proteins that act as messengers for the immune system and are linked to stress and chronic diseases, decreased by 30% and 28% respectively in the viewing group, while no changes were recorded in the other group. Researcher Tony Woods from King's College in London said: 'The research results clearly show the stress-calming properties of viewing original art and its ability to capture our attention and stimulate us at the same time.'
