Aesthetic Research Articles

Traditional ecological knowledge and the aesthetic appreciation of nature: Lessons from Gilbbesjávri and Guovdageaidnu

Traditional ecological knowledge and the aesthetic appreciation of nature: Lessons from Gilbbesjávri and Guovdageaidnu

Landscape Visual Affordance Evaluation at a Regional Scale in National Parks: A Case Study of the Changhong Area in Qianjiangyuan National Park

National parks play a vital role in safeguarding natural scenery, maintaining ecological integrity, and preserving cultural heritage, while simultaneously offering valuable opportunities for recreation and education. Among the diverse resources provided by national parks, visual landscape resources hold particular significance due to their capacity to inspire, educate, and enhance aesthetic appreciation. However, assessing and managing these resources remain challenging, as they span both the physical attributes of the landscape and the human visual perception process. This study aims to develop a theoretical and practical framework for evaluating the “landscape visual affordance” of national parks. Grounded in ecological psychology’s affordance theory, the proposed approach integrates physical affordance and sensory affordance, encompassing both the objective physical attributes of the landscape and the subjective processes of human perception. Drawing on a multi-dimensional set of indicators, the research quantifies physical features—such as topography, land use, vegetation cover, and landscape structure—as well as sensory dimensions, including visibility, visual prominence, and viewing frequency. These elements are synthesized into a landscape visibility assessment model built upon the affordance theory framework. The results demonstrate that landscape visual affordance effectively identifies landscape patches with varying degrees of visual quality and importance within national parks and other protected areas. By providing robust support for management decisions—such as zoned protection, optimizing recreational facilities, and evaluating visitor carrying capacity—this model offers new insights and practical guidance for the sustainable planning and management of landscapes in national parks and other ecologically critical regions.

Evaluating Perceived Cultural Ecosystem Services in Urban Green Spaces Using Big Data and Machine Learning: Insights from Fragrance Hill Park in Beijing, China

Cultural ecosystem services (CESs) are essential for the sustainable development and management of urban green spaces. However, there remains a gap in leveraging big data and unsupervised machine learning to comprehensively evaluate perceived CESs. This study introduces a hybrid research methodology integrating latent dirichlet allocation (LDA) and importance–performance analysis (IPA) to analyze 20,087 user-generated reviews of Fragrance Hill Park in Beijing from Meituan. The key findings are the following: (1) ten types of CESs were identified, including five related to personal well-being, four to public well-being, and one bridging both categories; (2) the most significant dimensions were “recreational activities”, “aesthetic appreciation”, “physical well-being”, and “mental well-being”; (3) users expressed positive sentiments toward “history and culture”, “mental well-being”, and “religious engagement”, while “social relations” received the most negative feedback; (4) IPA results highlight “recreational activities” and “aesthetic appreciation” as priority areas for improvement. This study provides a scalable, data-driven framework for evaluating CESs in urban green spaces. The insights gained can inform urban green space management and policy decisions to enhance user experiences and promote sustainable urban development.

Bolzano’s Aesthetic Cognitivism

ABSTRACT This article examines Bolzano’s aesthetic cognitivism. It argues that, while reminiscent of German rationalist aesthetics and hence potentially appearing rigid and outdated, Bolzano’s version of cognitivism is, in fact, highly innovative and more flexible than the cognitivism championed by the rationalists. He imports from the rationalists the idea that aesthetic appreciation and creation are rule-governed, yet does not construe rule-following and engaging in free aesthetic activities as mutually exclusive. Furthermore, thanks to his nuanced treatment of the interaction between aesthetic values and other types of values, Bolzano’s aesthetic cognitivism presents a fresh alternative to contemporary versions of aesthetic cognitivism.

Aesthetic Appreciation Is Different: Aesthetic Pleasure in Architectural Aesthetics

Aesthetic Appreciation Is Different: Aesthetic Pleasure in Architectural Aesthetics

Engaged and confused: Aesthetic appreciation of live and screened contemporary dance.

Engaged and confused: Aesthetic appreciation of live and screened contemporary dance.

“Good Gestalt” of Image Ad Design: Exploring Screen-Ad Congruence Effects on Ad Aesthetic Appreciation and Likeability in Social Media Feeds

We introduce a new form of design congruence (screen–ad congruence) between the image ad and the device screen’s perceptual features (shape, orientation, symmetry) and test its effects on ad aesthetic appreciation and likeability in social media feeds. Gestalt principles of perceptual grouping and the Fluency Theory of Asthetic Pleasure explain the superiority of complete screen–ad congruence effects on ad aesthetic appreciation and likeability in Studies 1 and 2, compared with no effects in Study 3, in which three-dimensionality of the screen–ad congruence relationship is violated. The findings suggest that screen–ad congruence is another example of “Good Gestalt” design with the potential to generate ad aesthetic appreciation across device screens.

Art promotes exploration of negative content

Experiencing negative content through art has a unique power to transform our perceptions and foster engagement. While this idea has been widely discussed, empirical evidence is scarce, since experimental testing of art experiences poses significant challenges. Here, we aimed to fill this gap by quantifying and comparing individuals' preference for engaging with art and nonart depicting matched negative content via two behavioral measures: the choice to engage vs. avoid and the duration of engagement. Across five studies (total N = 1,063), results revealed a preference for engaging with negative content through art as compared to nonart. Specifically, people more frequently chose to view negative art images, and looked at them for longer, as compared to photographs of similar content. To understand what underlies this preference for art, we examined the psychological impact of engaging with negative content through art and nonart depictions. Results showed that art experiences evoked higher aesthetic appreciation, while nonart gave the viewer a more realistic perspective and was emotionally more costly to engage with. Further, our analysis of engagement motives revealed that individuals were driven by expectations of aesthetic appreciation, thought-provocativeness, and an original perspective, both in art and nonart, while they were discouraged by emotional costs, even more strongly when engaging with nonart. These findings align with the idea of aesthetic distance, where art, as an abstraction of reality, facilitates exploration of negative content with less emotional costs and the prospect of aesthetic rewards.

The Inspiration of Manchu Robe Art on Modern Fashion Design

Manchu women's robes, as an essential part of traditional Chinese attire, embody profound cultural and artistic value, blending historical craftsmanship with unique aesthetics to provide valuable inspiration for modern fashion design. Through exquisite embroidery, symbolic patterns, and distinctive silhouettes, Manchu robes not only reflect the cultural identity and social structure of the Manchu people but also demonstrate their rich cultural and artistic heritage, evolving from functional attire for a nomadic lifestyle to elaborate court garments. With globalization and increasing attention to cultural heritage, Manchu robes are being reinterpreted by modern designers who integrate traditional elements with contemporary design concepts, offering new perspectives on the balance between tradition and innovation. Their unique aesthetic features, including luxurious silk fabrics, intricate embroidery techniques, and bold color combinations, have found new expressions in both high fashion and everyday wear. Additionally, advancements in modern technologies such as 3D printing and digital embroidery have enabled designers to preserve traditional artistry while improving production efficiency and ensuring sustainability. These innovations have facilitated the reinterpretation and appreciation of Manchu robe aesthetics by a global audience. By analyzing how modern fashion design incorporates traditional elements of Manchu robes, this study provides new insights into cultural sustainability and explores ways to achieve innovation while preserving cultural heritage. Ultimately, the fusion of tradition and modernity presents exciting opportunities for the fashion industry, ensuring that the legacy of Manchu robes continues to inspire future generations.

Review of Kanach, S., & Nelson, P. (Eds.). (2024). Meta-Xenakis: New Perspectives on Iannis Xenakis’s Life, Work, and Legacies. Open Book Publishers. https://books.openbookpublishers.com/10.11647/obp.0390.pdf

This book arose out of international collaborations arranged for the occasion of the centenary year of Iannis Xenakis in 2022. Its remarkable breadth mirrors and examines the interests and international influence of the composer, one of the leading figures of the European post-war avant-garde, and a significant initiator of what have since become defining fields in twenty-first century aesthetics and musical thought. The relationship of Xenakis’s style and technique to mathematics, semiotics, architecture, computer design and the fledgling field of AI are all addressed, together with the impact that these factors in his philosophy and output have had on a range of international movements in music, technology and the arts.

Analysis of the Ornaments of the Pura Mangkunegaran Surakarta as Learning Material for Decorative Arts at SMPN 1 Mojogedang

Indonesia is rich in cultural heritage, yet many traditional arts and crafts, such as the ornaments of Pura Mangkunegaran Surakarta, remain underappreciated. This research emphasizes integrating cultural heritage into decorative arts education to preserve cultural identity. Using a qualitative approach, the study identifies and analyzes various types, forms, and meanings of ornaments found in Pura Mangkunegaran Surakarta, their relevance, and the curriculum at SMPN 1 Mojogedang. The findings reveal that these ornaments, which reflect Javanese, Chinese, and European influences, not only enhance aesthetic appreciation but also foster critical thinking and creativity among students. By incorporating local cultural materials into educational practices, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of cultural backgrounds, instilling pride and a sense of responsibility in preserving heritage. This integration significantly enriches students' learning experiences and promotes cultural preservation within the educational framework.

Integrating intangible cultural heritage elements into mobile games: an exploration of player cultural identity

PurposeIn today’s world, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of cultural heritage. Mobile games have emerged as a powerful medium for the dissemination of culture. However, there’s a noticeable gap in the existing research concerning the cultural experiences within games and how they contribute to the development of cultural identity. This study addresses this gap by developing a scale to evaluate cultural experiences and constructing a theoretical model of cultural identity. By focusing on the popular mobile game “王者荣耀” (King of Glory), we highlight its rich representation of intangible cultural heritage elements and its influence on players' cultural identity. By doing so, it seeks to provide valuable insights and guidance for the development and design of mobile games.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve its objectives, this study employs a combination of user interviews, factor analysis and structural equation modeling. These methods are used to identify four key dimensions of cultural experience and explore the intricate relationships between various influencing factors and the formation of cultural identity.FindingsThe concept of cultural experience within games encompasses four distinct facets: emotional connection, design aesthetics, perceived playfulness and knowledge acquisition. Aesthetic appreciation notably influences emotional connection and the overall enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, emotional connection plays a pivotal role in facilitating users' acquisition of knowledge. Additionally, users' cultural heritage values positively impact emotional connection, aesthetic appreciation, emotional attachment and, ultimately, their cultural identity. Within game-based cultural experiences, emotional connection and knowledge acquisition emerge as central elements that significantly influence users' sense of cultural identity.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its pioneering construction of a comprehensive framework for assessing the impact of cultural experiences within mobile games on cultural identity. By examining “王者荣耀,” this study bridges the gap between intangible cultural heritage and interactive digital media, making an original and significant contribution to both fields.

Design of an enhanced feature point matching algorithm utilizing 3D laser scanning technology for sculpture design.

As the aesthetic appreciation for art continues to grow, there is an increased demand for precision and detailed control in sculptural works. The advent of 3D laser scanning technology introduces transformative new tools and methodologies for refining correction systems in sculpture design. This article proposes a feature point matching algorithm based on fragment measurement and the iterative closest point (ICP) methodology, leveraging 3D laser scanning technology, namely Fragment Measurement Iterative Closest Point Feature Point Matching (FM-ICP-FPM). The FM-ICP-FPM approach uses the overlapping area of the two sculpture perspectives as a reference for attaching feature points. It employs the 3D measurement system to capture physical point cloud data from the two surfaces to enable the initial alignment of feature points. Feature vectors are generated by segmenting the region around the feature points and computing the intra-block gradient histogram. Subsequently, distance threshold conditions are set based on the constructed feature vectors and the preliminary feature point matches established during the coarse alignment to achieve precise feature point matching. Experimental results demonstrate the exceptional performance of the FM-ICP-FPM algorithm, achieving a sampling interval of 200. The correct matching rate reaches an impressive 100%, while the mean translation error (MTE) is a mere 154 mm, and the mean rotation angle error (MRAE) is 0.065 degrees. The indicator represents the degree of deviation in translation and rotation of the registered model, respectively. These low error values demonstrate that the FM-ICP-FPM algorithm excels in registration accuracy and can generate highly consistent three-dimensional models.

“Enough reality that you took it seriously, enough humour that you kept watching”: a qualitative analysis of student reception of Larry Saves the Canadian healthcare system

ABSTRACT Background Satire shows significant potential to engage audiences and effectively translate knowledge on politically-charged issues, yet applications to health-policy research are rare. Methods We present the qualitative component of a mixed-methods study evaluating the reception of a research-based digital musical satirizing health-system dysfunction. Following five university-based screenings of Larry Saves the Canadian Healthcare System, 16 students participated in semi-structured interviews to discuss their perceptions and interpretations. Results Four themes were identified via thematic analysis: Larry as a health-system primer, engagement through aesthetic appreciation, resonance through connections to personal experience, and hope for the future. Participants overwhelmingly appreciated the satirical approach, and described how it buttressed the show’s educational aims. Some reported learning new information, many indicated that the show reinforced existing knowledge, and most recommended it as a knowledge-translation tool for the public. Conclusions Findings open the door to more widespread use of satire as a genre of arts-based knowledge translation.

Distinct Neural Bases of Visual Art- and Music-Induced Aesthetic Experiences

Distinct Neural Bases of Visual Art- and Music-Induced Aesthetic Experiences

A Modal Ontology of Imagination

Everyday aesthetics has been accused of being ontologically and systematically juvenile for a variety of reasons, such as the rejection of some major claims of Kantian aesthetics, its relative newness, its disparate methodologies, and the theoretical and ethical difficulties of outlining a systematic apparatus without reimposing rationalist and colonial perspectives. While it is untrue that everyday aesthetics as a new sub-discipline lacks systematic rigour, another ontology of the everyday will be introduced here. Calvin Seerveld’s aesthetic theory will be outlined and then offered as a resource for understanding the constitutive role imagination plays in analytical and other kinds of thinking. His notion of ‘allusivity’ as the common quality of all aesthetic expression suggests that art, craft, design, and everyday aesthetic appreciation all emerge from the same subjective function of imaginative ‘nuance’. Additionally, his thought comes from within an established tradition of modal ontology begun by 20th century Dutch Continental philosopher Herman Dooyeweerd.

THEORETICAL REFLECTION ON THE CONCEPT OF PERCEIVED QUALITY FROM AN ARCHITECTURAL PERSPECTIVE

This paper is dedicated to exploring the subjective dimension of architectural quality, emphasizing the importance of understanding how individuals perceive architectural structures and spaces. To fully grasp this perception, it is essential to examine the multifaceted elements that capture the observer's attention, including the style, scale, form, color palette, and spatial organization of the building. Each of these factors contributes to the way a structure is experienced and interpreted, either in isolation or as part of an integrated whole. The combination of these elements can provoke a wide array of responses, ranging from aesthetic appreciation to emotional reaction, and thus, architectural design becomes a dynamic process that engages various facets of human experience. This paper aims to contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding architectural quality. The insights gained through this exploration hold the potential to inform and inspire design practices that foster greater aesthetic, functional, and emotional resonance with the individuals who engage with these spaces. Given the diverse and individualized nature of these responses, it is crucial to consider perception as a complex phenomenon in itself, one that not only encompasses sensory input but also emotional, cognitive, social, and cultural factors that influence how a building is perceived. Understanding this phenomenon allows architects and designers to identify the specific qualities that may enhance the effectiveness of their designs.

Nietzsche and Schiller on Aesthetic Distance

AbstractA key contention of Nietzsche's philosophy is that art helps us affirm life. A common reading holds that it does so by paving over, concealing, or beautifying life's undesirable features. This interpretation is unsatisfactory for two main reasons: Nietzsche suggests that art should foreground what is ‘ugly’ about existence, and he sees thoroughgoing honesty about life's character as a requirement on genuine affirmation. The paper presents an alternative reading. According to this reading, artworks depicting something terrible give us a feeling of fearlessness or courage by enabling an extraordinary state of affective distance from their content. The value of art lies in the fact that the aesthetic state resembles and invites us to pursue a psychic condition Nietzsche valorises. In making this case, the paper reveals a surprising continuity between an important strand in nineteenth‐century aesthetic thought and contemporary distance theories of aesthetic engagement. It also casts new light on Nietzsche's famous criticisms of Kant's notion of disinterested aesthetic appreciation.

The beauty of conspiracy

ABSTRACT Why are people attracted to conspiracy theories? This essay conceives of conspiratorial motivation as an aesthetic phenomenon. To defend this account, I offer a coarse-grained taxonomy of contemporary motivational hypotheses that have been proposed to answer this question, describing their strengths and weaknesses. Next, I offer an aesthetic account of conspiratorial consumption; I argue that people’s preference for conspiratorial narratives is the product of a taste for a particular kind of story. To clarify the approach, I show how aesthetic appreciation is often confused with epistemic evaluation, leading the conspiracy theorist to believe she is involved in epistemic practice instead of aesthetic practice. I then describe the genre of conspiracy theorizing, explaining how my proposed genre account makes sense of several puzzles about conspiratorial consumption. The essay concludes by suggesting that the genre account offers a unique mode of engagement with conspiracy theorists that might be employed in order to profitably dialogue with those who hold these fringe and often dangerous beliefs.

How do different categories of nature‐related landscape images shape emotional experience?

The aim of this study was to explore whether and how diverse categories of nature‐related landscape images would influence the emotional dimensions of pleasure, arousal and dominance in the process of aesthetic appreciation, as well as to develop a new nature‐related image system (NIS). A total of 575 high‐quality images across six categories were selected and assessed by 197 students from the dimensions of aesthetic feeling (AF), pleasure, arousal and dominance. The results showed that different categories evoked varying levels of each dimension, and the impact of landscape categories on emotional experiences cannot be overlooked. Specially, flower landscape showed a clear experimental dissociation in terms of AF and pleasure compared to other categories, suggesting that flower images tend to evoke a positive emotional experience overall, regardless of AF level. Moreover, it also suggested that the effects of flowers on emotions could be considered independently from other categories in future research.