Beyond the Canvas: A Mixed Methods Study of Awe-Experiences in Virtual Reality Featuring Abstract and Figurative Art
(2023) PSYK11 20231Department of Psychology
- Abstract
- Purpose: This thesis delves into the dynamic relation between awe and
art, specifically focusing on abstract versus representational art within
immersive Virtual Reality (VR) environments. Prompted by the expansion of
awe research since Keltner and Haidt’s seminal work (2003) and the research
gap on art and VR, this study explores whether the level of abstraction in art
influences the intensity of the awe experience. Inspired by the Construal Level
Theory (CLT) and the recognized awe-inducing potential of VR, we
comparatively measured awe experiences after two immersive VR artworks:
the abstract Hilma af Klint: The Temple and the figurative Art Plunge.
Method: Utilizing the Awe Experience Questionnaire (AWE-S) and a
repeated... (More) - Purpose: This thesis delves into the dynamic relation between awe and
art, specifically focusing on abstract versus representational art within
immersive Virtual Reality (VR) environments. Prompted by the expansion of
awe research since Keltner and Haidt’s seminal work (2003) and the research
gap on art and VR, this study explores whether the level of abstraction in art
influences the intensity of the awe experience. Inspired by the Construal Level
Theory (CLT) and the recognized awe-inducing potential of VR, we
comparatively measured awe experiences after two immersive VR artworks:
the abstract Hilma af Klint: The Temple and the figurative Art Plunge.
Method: Utilizing the Awe Experience Questionnaire (AWE-S) and a
repeated measures design in combination with semi-structured written
reflections, we evaluated in a convenience sample (n=49) whether an abstract,
immersive art experience in VR elicited greater awe than similar, figurative
content. Additionally, we evaluated the possible influence of familiarity with
the art and personal art preferences on the awe experience.
Results: There was no significant difference in awe between abstract
and figurative art in VR; a result consistent across all six factors underlying the
AWE-S. However, preference for abstract art correlated with the general awe
experience, underscoring the role of individual predispositions. The research
thus concludes that there is seemingly no relationship between level of
abstraction in art and awe-experience, but invites further exploration. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9121591
- author
- Qvant, Wilgot LU and Stolpe Wikström, Nike LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- PSYK11 20231
- year
- 2023
- type
- M2 - Bachelor Degree
- subject
- keywords
- awe, Virtual Reality, VR, emotions, abstract art, epistemic emotion
- language
- English
- id
- 9121591
- date added to LUP
- 2023-06-16 08:01:30
- date last changed
- 2023-06-16 08:01:30
@misc{9121591, abstract = {{Purpose: This thesis delves into the dynamic relation between awe and art, specifically focusing on abstract versus representational art within immersive Virtual Reality (VR) environments. Prompted by the expansion of awe research since Keltner and Haidt’s seminal work (2003) and the research gap on art and VR, this study explores whether the level of abstraction in art influences the intensity of the awe experience. Inspired by the Construal Level Theory (CLT) and the recognized awe-inducing potential of VR, we comparatively measured awe experiences after two immersive VR artworks: the abstract Hilma af Klint: The Temple and the figurative Art Plunge. Method: Utilizing the Awe Experience Questionnaire (AWE-S) and a repeated measures design in combination with semi-structured written reflections, we evaluated in a convenience sample (n=49) whether an abstract, immersive art experience in VR elicited greater awe than similar, figurative content. Additionally, we evaluated the possible influence of familiarity with the art and personal art preferences on the awe experience. Results: There was no significant difference in awe between abstract and figurative art in VR; a result consistent across all six factors underlying the AWE-S. However, preference for abstract art correlated with the general awe experience, underscoring the role of individual predispositions. The research thus concludes that there is seemingly no relationship between level of abstraction in art and awe-experience, but invites further exploration.}}, author = {{Qvant, Wilgot and Stolpe Wikström, Nike}}, language = {{eng}}, note = {{Student Paper}}, title = {{Beyond the Canvas: A Mixed Methods Study of Awe-Experiences in Virtual Reality Featuring Abstract and Figurative Art}}, year = {{2023}}, }