Introduction In previous research, we found that visual features such as hue and orientation can modulate individuals’ aesthetic preferences. Concrete art contains real world referential representations, whereas abstract art lacks specific referential information. However, it remains unclear whether this modulatory effect differs between these two categories of art. Methods The present study employed a three-factor repeated-measures design, manipulating painting category (concrete vs. abstract), hue (original vs. rotated), and orientation (upright vs. inverted), to examine the effects of hue and orientation on perceived naturalness and aesthetic preference across different image categories(concrete art vs. abstract art). Results The results showed that: (1) the effect of hue on naturalness and aesthetic preference ratings was stronger for concrete images than for abstract images; (2) the effect of orientation on naturalness and aesthetic preference ratings was stronger for concrete images than for abstract images; (3) perceived naturalness might indirectly moderate the effect on aesthetic preference. Discussion Overall, the present study found that the category of artworks (concrete vs.abstract) determines the presence or absence of real-world referential structures, thereby governing the pathway and strength through which visual features influence aesthetic judgment. At the same time, this study also revealed a functionaldissociation between perceived naturalness and aesthetic preference at the psychological mechanism level.
Wang et al. (Wed,) studied this question.