Changes of statistical image properties during the creation of graphic artworks C Redies |
|---|
Institute of Anatomy I, University Jena School of Medicine, Germany
|
| Several recent studies of visual artworks have investigated statistical image properties, for example, complexity, self-similarity, the fractal dimension and properties of the spatial frequency spectrum [for reviews, see Graham and Redies, 2010, Vision Research 50, 1503-1509; Forsythe et al, 2011, British Journal of Psychology 102, 49-70]. However, little is known about how these aesthetic measures evolve during the creation process. In the present work, I calculated aesthetic measures for two series of lithographs by Picasso (Les Deux Femmes Nues, 1945/46; Le Taureau, 1945/46) that represent variations on a theme and change from naturalistic to cubist drawings. Moreover, I analyzed state proofs of 20 abstract artworks created by myself. During the evolution of Picasso's cubist drawings and the creation of the abstract images, complexity increased, as expected. The slope of log-log plots of radially averaged Fourier power increased to values between -2.0 and -2.6 during the creation process and within the series of Picasso lithographs. Strikingly, self-similarity remained relatively constant in all series. The aesthetic measures therefore reflect different aspects of the creation process. The present work sets the path for future, more systematic studies on how aesthetic measures change when artists create visual artworks. |
| Up Home |
|---|