"A Rose By Any Other Name": An Exploration of the Importance of the Artist in Art Preferences

This study aims to understand the social aspects in the creation of art and artist preferences. One of the main questions being asked is "Does knowledge that a highly regarded artist completed a work influence the viewers' satisfaction in the piece?" In order to answer this question, two methods were utilized. First, a survey to determine artwork preferences in relation to the artist was conducted. Secondly, interviews with people who have formal art knowledge and people who do not were used to grasp a further understanding of judgments. Results indicate that art preferences are not only socially influenced, but also that context may rival aesthetics as a factor in determining preferences. Discussion will include the importance of the artist and the more general context in appreciating art.