Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Beyond the Canvas: A Mixed Methods Study of Awe-Experiences in Virtual Reality Featuring Abstract and Figurative Art

Qvant, Wilgot LU and Stolpe Wikström, Nike LU (2023) PSYK11 20231
Department 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:
author
Qvant, Wilgot LU and Stolpe Wikström, Nike LU
supervisor
organization
course
PSYK11 20231
year
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}},
}