Art speaks for itself
A study by the University of Basel shows that information about a work of art has no influence on the aesthetic experience. The results are also likely to be relevant for the experience of music.
The aesthetic experience is a complex interplay of modes of perception and cognitive processes: Features of the artwork such as the color scheme and the content depicted play a role, as do individual characteristics of the viewer such as their expertise and contextual factors - such as the title of a work of art.
Researchers at the University of Basel led by psychologists Jens Gaab and Klaus Opwis have investigated how contextual information about works of art influences aesthetic perception in a real exhibition situation. In particular, they investigated whether and how different types of information affect the aesthetic experience of museum visitors.
Previous research has shown that contextual information can significantly shape perception and experience - for example, if wine tastes better to consumers when its price is higher.
Original article:
www.unibas.ch/de/Aktuell/News/Uni-Research/Kunst-spricht-fuer-sich-und-laesst-Herzen-schneller-schlagen.html
