Fine Arts
Articles tagged with Fine Arts
Mathematical analysis reveals a hidden “golden rule” in abstract art
Researchers applied topological methods to distinguish between genuine and fake abstract artworks. They found that the structure of the compositions corresponds with how people perceive them. The study proposes an intuitive mathematical 'golden rule' for structuring art.
Reclaiming the context of creative works
A new AI-based approach developed by UC Riverside professor Demetrius Lewis helps correct the misclassification of creative works due to shifting genres. The tool provides a more accurate representation of how a work was originally intended and received, reducing the risk of undervaluation for boundary-pushing projects.
How political borders in the Middle Ages are linked to chorales
Researchers analyzed 4,000 medieval trope elements to find that political borders severely restricted musical exchange between 9th-14th century empires. The study reflects the musical tradition's connection to Europe's political fragmentation following the Treaty of Verdun in 843 AD.
Rediscovered music may never sound the same twice, according to new Surrey study
A new Surrey study found that rediscovered music often leads to radically different interpretations by performers, reshaping the work itself. The researchers compared professional recordings and used audio analysis software to track tempo and rhythmic fluctuation across the piece.
How the color of a theater affects sound perception
Researchers found that the visual design of a concert hall significantly affects perceived timbre, with more saturated colors producing colder sounds. Listeners also reported higher liking scores in darker environments, highlighting the importance of considering visual appearance in acoustic design.
The Showgirl's Rebirth: Taylor Swift’s shift from introspection to optimistic confidence
The album marks a new era for the singer, exploring themes of performance, love, and empowerment. Scholars analyze Swift's shift from teen country singer to showgirl persona, finding optimism and hope in songs like 'Eldest Daughter' and 'Opalite'.
Lighting strongly influences people’s experience while listening to music, a new study suggests
A new study suggests that indoor lighting can strongly influence listeners' experiences while listening to music. The research found that warm white lights were most effective in evoking positive emotions, while blue lights had the least positive response. These findings have implications for improving well-being and mood regulation in...
To bop or to sway? The music will tell you
A study by Shimpei Ikegami found that vertical 'bop' music is characterized by clearer beats and percussive sounds, while horizontal 'sway' music is smoother with less percussion. Listeners' directional dancing inclinations matched the musicians' intended expressions.
Could a child have painted that? Jackson Pollock's famous pour-painting has child-like characteristics, study shows
Researchers found that children's paintings share similarities with Pollock's work, featuring smaller fine-scale patterns and simpler trajectories. Adults' paintings, on the other hand, had higher paint densities and more complex fractal patterns.
Socially engaged art practices strengthen inclusion and support the resilience of democracy
Socially engaged arts challenge complex problems by facilitating dialogue and collaboration across disciplines. This approach can contribute to societal transformation, strengthening social cohesion and human development while countering polarisation and promoting inclusivity.
Arts programs can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other leading causes of deaths, large study finds
A large international study found that arts-based programs can make health messages more memorable and relevant to people's lives, improving health behaviors and cultural relevance of disease prevention programs. The study suggests that arts could be a vital part of the toolkit for promoting health and preventing disease.
What makes an opera singer stand out? New research decodes 'black box' of opera evaluation
A new study found that vibrato is the most significant vocal attribute in determining an opera singer's score, while acoustic features like SPR and HNR have a greater impact than previously thought. The research provides objective insights into how judges evaluate performances and offers tools for vocal training.
How can visual artists protect their work from AI crawlers? It’s complicated
A study by researchers at UC San Diego and University of Chicago found that most visual artists lack the technical know-how to block AI crawlers, despite wanting to protect their creative work. The team developed a tool called Glaze, but more effective solutions are needed to prevent AI data harvesting.
Cool is cool wherever you are
Researchers found that cool people have similar personalities, with traits such as extraversion, hedonism, and power being universally perceived. The study explored how cool people differ from uncool and good people, finding some overlap in traits but also distinct characteristics.
Virtual singing brings connection and joy to isolated older adults, study finds
A Northwestern University study found virtual group singing can be an effective tool for promoting well-being and social connection during isolation. Participants reported high satisfaction with the sing-alongs, which helped evoke emotional resonance and promote intellectual engagement.
Singapore and Japan unveil world’s deepest ocean art installation
The art installation, comprising three metal cubes, was deployed near the Mariana Trench off Japan's coast as part of a seismic sensor system. The cubes feature designs that resonate with communities worldwide and embody nine existential elements common to all humanity.
Music-based therapy may improve depressive symptoms in people with dementia
A new Cochrane review has found evidence that music-based therapy may benefit people living with dementia, particularly by improving symptoms of depression. The review suggests that music therapy probably improves depressive symptoms and may improve overall behavioural problems by the end of treatment.
Whole Health Consortium at Virginia Tech funds teams to tackle community health challenges
The Whole Health Consortium at Virginia Tech has funded several research projects, including one that uses geospatial analysis to improve healthcare access for veterans. Another project aims to develop a 'just-in-time' intervention for chronic pain and opioid use disorder in Appalachia.
BrainHealth Week 2025 celebrates the potential of our brains to get stronger
The Center for BrainHealth hosts its third annual BrainHealth Week, offering simple tools and effective measurements for proactively increasing brain fitness and performance. A recent national survey reveals that 75% of people do not know how to promote brain gains, which BrainHealth Week aims to address.
Can math save content creators? A new model proposes fairer revenue distribution methods for streaming services
Researchers at UMH develop a mathematical model with three allocation rules to improve revenue sharing on streaming platforms. The model aims to address the issue of opaque revenue distribution, prioritizing creators' needs and promoting fairness.
Could new project result in more harmonious future for humans and kittiwakes?
A groundbreaking research project is exploring the unique role of kittiwakes in urban ecology, aiming to establish a governance framework that promotes harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. The study will employ various tools, including machine learning and GIS, to assess the impacts of urban development on biodiversity.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Dr. Helen Fisher, and Dr. Judith Allen donate historic archives to the Kinsey Institute
The Kinsey Institute has acquired groundbreaking research and cultural contributions from Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Dr. Helen Fisher, and Dr. Judith Allen, advancing future scholarship and research on human sexuality and relationships.
Tattoo or not tattoo: Testing the limits of beauty in body art
A German study found that facial tattoos received the least positive reception overall, even among tattoo artists. Younger people and those with body art were more tolerant of tattoos, while existing tattoos and expertise played a role in aesthetic appreciation.
Recent studies highlight the positive impacts of artistic and cultural activities on physical and mental health
Researchers at the University of the Arts Helsinki found that art and cultural activities support social factors, foster a sense of belonging, and improve stress management. Engagement in creative activities positively impacts well-being across all age groups, from newborns to the elderly.
Pushing the boundaries of traditional ceramic techniques
Researchers merged science and art to create a new kind of ceramic with enhanced strength and heat resistance. The team's innovative technique uses graphene oxide and ultrasound to produce delicate and intricate structures previously unattainable in traditional ceramics.
Lasers provide boon for manufacturing of ceremonial Thai umbrellas
Thailand's ancient tiered umbrella symbols are crafted using high-powered lasers, preserving intricate beauty in a matter of days. Researchers provide technical details for anyone with necessary equipment to make their own, aiming to conserve arts and culture.
‘More than just numbers:’ WVU statistics expert using data to predict extreme weather, financial downturns
A WVU statistician is developing new methods to analyze curve-type data for predicting extreme weather patterns, financial turmoil and pollution levels. The research aims to create innovative tools for understanding high-resolution data and addressing regional risks in mountainous states like West Virginia.
Addressing ecological challenges in higher music education requires a radical change in mindsets
The ArsADAPT project integrated music education with ecological themes, promoting a new approach to sustainability in higher music education. Researchers found that embracing aesthetic disruption and avoiding instrumentalization of music led to active engagement in socio-ecological issues among teachers.
Support for art and other cultural objects can be strengthened by highlighting their collective value, finds new Rotman School research
New Rotman School research shows that emphasizing the historical and spiritual significance of artistic works can increase public support. By highlighting the collective value of art, people are more willing to protect it.
Arts activities may improve self-control and reduce antisocial behavior among teenagers
Teenagers involved in arts activities are less likely to engage in antisocial behaviour up to two years later. They also exhibit better self-control scores and view antisocial behaviour negatively.
How storytelling can help public health officials combat distrust, skepticism
Public health officials can use storytelling to resonate key messages with their audiences, taking into account social determinants of health and empathetic creativity. Effective storytelling highlights complexities, leading to strategies like outdoor firepits to address issues.
Framed by gender: Women artists erased from peak prices, sales at art auctions
A recent study found that women artists are underrepresented in the art market, with 42 male artists occupying the top 0.03% of sales value. Despite commanding higher average prices, women artists face significant barriers to entry, including discrimination and lower visibility.
Quantifying creativity to expand it? Better art begins with better understanding
Researchers found that limiting media use can lead to disinterest, while introducing new materials expands children's creativity and improves motivation. Educators are recommended to instruct students on new media application and object proportion management to enhance learning outcomes.
Pop art and comics -- imitation, confrontation, collaboration
Researchers at the University of Chichester and Leuven discovered that Roy Lichtenstein had a complex and collaborative dynamic with comics creators. The artist's work significantly shaped comics publications, and cartoonists praised each other's work.
House-hunting ants know how to take the hassle out of moving
House-hunting ants use tandem running to inform colony members about a new nest, increasing the discovery rate and speeding up migration. By regulating their running rate based on distance, ants efficiently minimize transit time and risk involved in migrating longer distances.
Returns in fine art have been overestimated
Researchers analyzed auction data and found that fine art returns are significantly lower than estimated at around 6.3% per annum. Investing in art via a fund does not increase the chances of outperforming a diversified portfolio.
Victorians exposed to fine art through Christmas cards
Designers of Christmas cards employed fine art to divert attention from growing consumerism and promote art and aesthetic values. Rare cards held by a Devon-based private collector showcased high-quality artwork, bridging the boundary between fine and decorative arts.
Michael Douglas donates $500,000 to UC Santa Barbara to endow Dean's Chair
UCSB alumnus Michael Douglas establishes a $1 million endowed chair for the Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts, supporting teaching, research, and programs in the humanities and fine arts.
Thinking outside sustainability's box at the intersection of art and science
Researchers at Michigan State University are exploring the intersection of art and science to better understand sustainability. Artists Joe Zammit-Lucia, Sacha Kagan, and David Maggs will discuss how their work can provoke thinking and change people's perceptions of complex sustainability issues.
Fine art in advertising can backfire
A new study by Boston College and the University of Houston found that fine art in advertising can be demoted to a mere product illustration, leading consumers to take a critical view of its message. Art loses its unique powers of communication when viewed as an ordinary image.
Leburton named associate member of Royal Academy of Belgium
Jean-Pierre Leburton has been elected to the Royal Academy of Belgium's newest class, Technology and Society, due to his expertise in nanotechnology. He was also a collaborator with Belgian colleagues on research projects, which contributed to his selection.
Britain markets itself as 'damaged goods,' professor says
Professor Elizabeth Legge explores how British art marketed itself as a failure to gain cultural credibility in the US. She argues that this strategy tapped into American perceptions of British art as gauche and incapable of irony, generating mutual indignation between the two nations.