Articles tagged with Visual Arts
A lost letter from Pope Alexander II suggests that the Norman Conquest was shaped by a wider political and religious struggle, rather than just a dynastic dispute. The findings argue that England's support for one faction of the papal dispute may have given William's invasion legitimacy as a 'just war'.
Researchers at the University of Exeter discovered that a 19th-century estate agent, Brooks & Green, created an early version of Rightmove using cosmorama technology. The discovery reveals how this innovative approach to property marketing paved the way for modern virtual tours and online property previews.
Rachel Raimist joins UTA's College of Liberal Arts as a Morgan Woodward Distinguished Professor of Film and Video, offering students the opportunity to learn from an accomplished filmmaker. With extensive experience in network television, documentary filmmaking, and higher education, Raimist aims to bridge the gap between classroom and...
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.
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.
A study by Cornell University researcher So-Yeon Yoon found that generative art can positively impact consumer behavior in virtual stores, with greater effects on mass-market shoppers. The research suggests that dynamic generative art may be more effective than static art in enhancing perceptions of exclusivity and aesthetic pleasure.
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.
A team of scientists has discovered a new species of snail, Anauchen picasso, named after artist Pablo Picasso. The unique shell shape and features make it stand out from other snails.
A new study from the University of Missouri highlights how 'smoothed' graphs can help doctors better manage patients with hypertension. The findings suggest that these graphs can reduce errors in assessing blood pressure control, potentially alleviating pressure on the healthcare system.
A new systematic review found that viewing art can improve eudemonic wellbeing and boost personal growth. The benefits were observed in various locations, including museums, galleries, clinics, and hospitals, as well as through virtual reality.
Researchers Mohamed Gad-el-Hak and James J. Riley from VCU and the University of Washington found that Van Gogh's painting does not adhere to Kolmogorov's theory of turbulent flow. Instead, they argue that the swirling patterns in 'The Starry Night' are a result of its abstract nature.
A study suggests that children were involved in creating prehistoric cave art due to their unique mental and cognitive traits, which allowed them to communicate with entities from the beyond. Children were believed to be liminal beings, bridging the gap between worlds, and delivering messages to non-human entities.
A recent study by the American Psychological Association suggests that professional artists are more creative than AI-generated artwork. The research found that artwork created with prompts by experienced artists was rated as significantly more creative than AI-generated work. Additionally, analysis revealed that professional artists u...
The book delves into the cosmic connection between art, science, and humanity, citing examples ranging from ancient cultures to modern-day artists. Imara aims to encourage a feeling of interconnectedness and unity within ourselves, with one another, and the universe.
Researchers found branch patterns in art to mirror those in nature, with values of α ranging from 1.5 to 2.8, corresponding to natural trees. Abstract artworks can be visually identified as trees using realistic α values, while works deviating from scaling exhibit reduced recognition.
Using fractal math, researchers found that artists' preservation of a tree's branch diameter scaling exponent enables viewers to easily recognize trees, even without other distinguishing features. This universal factor applies across styles and cultures, linking artistic beauty with mathematical complexity.
Research by Professor Stephen M. Stahl suggests that Jackson Pollock incorporated images into his pre-drip paintings, possibly due to spatial skills linked to bipolar disorder. The same images appear in multiple drip paintings, implying a deliberate encoding of images.
The National Center for Supercomputing Applications awarded 17 students Fiddler Innovation Fellowships for their outstanding contributions to student and faculty interdisciplinary research initiatives. The fellows worked on various projects, including quantum-resistant security measures and artificial intelligence productivity engines.
A 13th-century fresco in Ferrara, Italy, depicts an Islamic tent used in medieval Christian mass practices. The artist's use of precious textiles and intricate designs provides evidence of a unique cultural exchange between Christianity and Islam during this period.
Researchers created digital images of iridescent bird feathers that change colors at different angles, incorporating tiny variations for a glittery appearance. The new method uses specimens from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as a reference and has potential applications in video games and animation.
The open-access book delves into the impact of AI and autonomous systems on human lives and ways of working, emphasizing their importance in prioritizing human well-being and creativity. Key learnings include the need for ethical design practices and considering AI as part of a larger system to enhance human experiences.
Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology create a metric to quantify clarity in digital images, enabling scientists to capture changes in structure during artistic processes and physical transformations. The metric is tested on digital artworks and physical systems, showing its versatility and effectiveness.
A team of scientists has developed an AI algorithm that can analyze paint chips from the Berlin Wall, identifying pigments and dyes. The results indicate that the primary pigments in the samples were azopigments, phthalocyanins, lead chromate, and titanium white.
The USC-led CLIMA Center will investigate the combined impacts of climate-related exposures and adaptation capacity on human health, using a transdisciplinary approach. The center aims to inform policies that protect vulnerable communities and strengthen climate resilience.
Indigenous women in the Amazon region of Brazil created varnished gourds with complex decorations inspired by local flora and fauna as well as European and Asian embroidery patterns. The craft was recognized at the beginning of the 18th century and was mainly produced for the European market, participating in a process of globalization.
Michelle Ann Abate argues that single-panel comics, such as 'The Far Side,' offer more than just slapstick humor. By analyzing the aesthetics of Larson's characters, Abate highlights the importance of comics as a form of art. The single-panel form has been instrumental in creating popular titles and continues to shape American cartoons.
Scientists will present new research on bio-inspired floating offshore wind farms, harbor seals' whisker sensing abilities, and Manu jumping. The conference features over 300 sessions and nearly 2,800 presentations.
Researchers develop a novel edge-highlighting visualization technique to improve the clarity of complex 3D structures, revealing sharp edges and intricate details. The technique, tested on real 3D point cloud data, offers interactive rendering speeds and enhances depth perception.
Scientists use modern technology to analyze ancient ochre samples, revealing the material's origin and history. This helps them understand how human cognition and social networks developed alongside early technological innovations.
The 77th annual meeting of the American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics will feature more than 3,200 presentations on various fluid dynamics topics. The conference will also include a visual arts competition and exhibition showcasing the science and beauty of fluid motion.
The painting in the La Belle France cave is believed to be the world's oldest known piece of paleo-art depicting an extinct mammal-like reptile called a dicynodont. The San people were engaging in palaeontology long before Western scientists, and their artwork provides compelling evidence of this.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that South African rock art from the 19th century may be inspired by an extinct species of tusked animal called a dicynodont. The artwork, created by the San people, features a long-bodied animal with downward-turned tusks that is comparable to fossilized remains found in the region.
A competition encourages magicians to craft mesmerizing sound-based tricks that evoke wonder and amazement without relying on visual cues. The initiative aims to make magic more inclusive for individuals with visual impairments, allowing them to experience the art in a new way.
Scientists from Trinity College Dublin created a computer program that visualizes molecular structure in the style of Piet Mondrian. The program uses blocks of color to represent symmetry and shape, making it easier to understand complex molecular interactions.
Researchers from Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions found that traumatic life events do impact the perception of trauma-related imagery. Viewers' personal history of adversity and trauma was associated with stronger reactions to images depicting injury/trauma.
Text-to-image AI tools enhance human artists' output, but may hinder novel visual styles. Artists who adopt AI show increased productivity and favorable feedback, while those relying solely on AI struggle with creative stagnation.
The project aims to create a comprehensive database of researched information on Black displacement and mobility in Arlington County. The database will include oral histories, census data, photographs, historic newspapers, and other artifacts, shedding new light on the county's history.
A new study finds that simple packaging design is positively associated with price, but not always enhances consumers' willingness to pay. The research team discovers that store-brand products and health-oriented consumers benefit from simplicity, while indulgent consumers prefer complex packaging.
A new study from University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher Nan Li shows that integrating art with data visualizations can make climate data more meaningful to viewers and reduce political divides. Participants who saw the painting reported stronger positive emotions, while those shown only graphs did not.
Limbitless Solutions has been selected as one of eight winners for the 2023 Unity for Humanity Grant. The organization will use $85,000 to develop its video game Quantum's Pursuit, which aims to empower children and adults with limb differences to learn how to use their bionic arms in a fun and engaging way.
A study of over 1,186 participants from various countries found that art evokes positive emotions, often despite dealing with sad or scary topics. The researchers discovered that human figures in art pieces can elicit empathy and mirroring, which contributes to the emotional experience.
Scientists explore how polarized light can create colorful artwork by manipulating transparent films between polarizers. This technique demonstrates key physics concepts, such as birefringence and retardance, in a visual and accessible way.
Researchers found that aesthetically appealing experiences trigger fast gamma waves after a one-second delay, indicating active meaning formation. Alpha waves were also observed, reflecting increased attention for high- or low-rated artworks.
A study by North Carolina State University found that image complexity drives consumer engagement on Instagram. The researchers identified six measures of image complexity and developed a model to determine which combination generates the most positive feedback.
Researchers at the University of York developed new sound design techniques to enhance film experiences for visually impaired audiences. The methods use sound effects, 3D sound, and first-person narration to create a more inclusive cinematic experience.
A 500-year-old English illuminated manuscript provides fresh insights into Catholic beliefs in England before the Reformation. The metre-long prayer roll contains religious verse and illustrations, including symbols of Christ's crucifixion, which were connected to a famous pilgrimage site.
Researchers at George Mason University are planning a series of four ukulele workshops as part of the National Endowment for the Arts Military Healing Arts Network initiative. The project aims to improve the health, wellness, and quality of life for military and veteran populations exposed to trauma through arts engagement.
George Mason University professors Niyati Dhokai, Jatin Ambegaonkar, Gay Hanna, Kyla Christensen-Szalanski, and Gwen Baraniecki-Zwil will create an interface to connect the military, arts organizations, healthcare services, and communities. The project aims to improve support for veterans through creative forces.
A study using fMRI found that the default mode network in the brain responds similarly to aesthetically pleasing images from different domains, indicating a possible universal code for beauty. This discovery may lead to insights into how we experience aesthetic experiences and could inform learning and well-being.
Rick Guidotti, founder of POSITIVE EXPOSURE, receives ASHG Advocacy Award for his innovative use of visual arts to celebrate human diversity. He has promoted genetics awareness, funding for biomedical research, and integrating genetics into health systems.
Research conducted with 147 Dutch children found that structured music lessons significantly enhance cognitive abilities, including language-based reasoning and short-term memory. Visual arts classes also showed a benefit, improving visual and spatial short-term memory.
The University of Oklahoma has received a four-year grant to increase cultural diversity and grow the representation of Native Americans in curatorial and academic positions. The program will include paid internships, pre-doctoral fellowships, and a teaching assistantship for graduate students.
New research from the University of Missouri found that high attendance numbers at arts nonprofit events lead to fewer donations. This contradicts philanthropic culture's emphasis on accountability and success measures.
Abinadi Meza, a University of Houston School of Art professor, has received the prestigious Rome Prize for his contributions to visual arts. He will use the fellowship to create new artworks in Rome and forge relationships with international artists.
A study by Harvard researchers found no effect of music training on the cognitive abilities of young children. Despite popular belief, studying music does not enhance intelligence or improve academic performance. However, the study did find some small differences in spatial task performance between music and visual arts groups.
A recent study by Harvard University researchers found that student creative writing is showing signs of decline over the past 20 years, while visual art is experiencing an increase in sophistication and complexity. The study analyzed 354 examples of visual art and 50 examples of creative writing by teenagers between 1990 and 2011.
A new study suggests that unhappy consumers are more likely to crave tactile experiences, such as hugging a teddy bear, to alleviate negative emotions. This is because their brain systems mimic those of mammals, which prioritize comfort and security in times of stress.
Researchers found that an early part of the brain's visual system rewires itself through pattern training, independent of higher-order conscious processing. This discovery could improve training programs for detecting subtle patterns, such as in medical imaging or air traffic control.
After a decade-long search, Audubon's first published bird illustration of a running grouse has been discovered. The find sheds light on Audubon's development as an artist and provides a rare view of the Heath Hen, a subspecies that became extinct in the early 19th century.
The Balzan Foundation has awarded four prestigious prizes in 2008 for outstanding contributions in Visual Arts, Moral Philosophy, Preventive Medicine, and Science of Climate Change. Maurizio Calvesi, Thomas Nagel, Ian H. Frazer, and Wallace S. Broecker received the awards with a total prize money of one million Swiss Francs.