In the working memory of the beholder: Art appreciation is enhanced when visual complexity is compatible with working memory.

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  • Author(s): Sherman A;Sherman A; Grabowecky M; Grabowecky M; Suzuki S; Suzuki S
  • Source:
    Journal of experimental psychology. Human perception and performance [J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform] 2015 Aug; Vol. 41 (4), pp. 898-903. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 May 18.
  • Publication Type:
    Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: American Psychological Assn Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 7502589 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1939-1277 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00961523 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Original Publication: Washington, American Psychological Assn.
    • Subject Terms:
      Art*; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/*physiology; Adult ; Esthetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult
    • Abstract:
      What shapes art appreciation? Much research has focused on the importance of visual features themselves (e.g., symmetry, natural scene statistics) and of the viewer's experience and expertise with specific artworks. However, even after taking these factors into account, there are considerable individual differences in art preferences. Our new result suggests that art preference is also influenced by the compatibility between visual properties and the characteristics of the viewer's visual system. Specifically, we have demonstrated, using 120 artworks from diverse periods, cultures, genres, and styles, that art appreciation is increased when the level of visual complexity within an artwork is compatible with the viewer's visual working memory capacity. The result highlights the importance of the interaction between visual features and the beholder's general visual capacity in shaping art appreciation.
      ((c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).)
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    • Grant Information:
      R01 EY021184 United States EY NEI NIH HHS
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20150519 Date Completed: 20160506 Latest Revision: 20181113
    • Publication Date:
      20221213
    • Accession Number:
      PMC4556127
    • Accession Number:
      10.1037/a0039314
    • Accession Number:
      25984587