A Science of Vision for Visual Art

The author discusses the discipline of scientific aesthetics, also known as empirical aesthetics or the science of art, which combines sociology, physiology and psychology. He posits that aesthetic effect is an affective response, a reaction to a stimulus from the outside world, passing through the sensory channels. Thus, the reaction to a visual artwork begins with the perceptual process of vision and includes two stages: a sensory part and a cognitive part. Citing numerous studies by well-known researchers, he presents experimental and theoretical evidence to support his ideas for the basis of the discipline.