Drawing the ocean: artistic representations of marine biodiversity engage more attention and aesthetic appeal than non-artistic photographs

Visual representations of marine ecosystems play a crucial role in shaping public awareness of biodiversity and the environmental challenges facing our oceans. The question of whether artistic depictions of marine biodiversity capture more attention and foster greater aesthetic appeal than non-artistic representations is particularly relevant in the context of environmental education. This study investigates the impact of different visual representation styles (19th-century naturalist drawings versus contemporary non-artistic underwater photographs) on visual attention and aesthetic reception. Two sets of images (naturalist drawings and photographs) were selected, each depicting comparable marine environments, species, and compositions. Fifty-eight participants, including both scuba divers and non-divers, viewed these images and their visual attention was examined by means of eye-tracking technology. Aesthetic reception was also assessed using a questionnaire. The findings suggest that naturalist drawings evoke more attention and curiosity, potentially enhancing the audience's connection to marine ecosystems, particularly for individuals who are unfamiliar with marine environments. This study emphasizes the role of art in fostering environmental awareness and conservation, proposing that artistic representations can serve as powerful tools to bridge the gap between ecological education and public engagement.

海洋生态系统的可视化呈现，对于提升公众对生物多样性及全球海洋所面临的环境挑战的认知至关重要。在环境教育的语境下，相较于非艺术化的视觉呈现，以艺术手法描绘海洋生物多样性的作品是否更能吸引受众注意力、提升审美感染力，这一问题具有尤为重要的研究价值。本研究针对两类不同视觉呈现风格——19世纪博物学手绘（19th-century naturalist drawings）与当代非艺术化水下摄影作品——对受众视觉注意力与审美接受度的影响展开探究。研究选取了两组图像素材，分别为博物学手绘稿与水下摄影作品，两组图像所呈现的海洋环境、物种与构图均具备可比性。本研究招募58名受试者，其中包含水肺潜水者与非潜水人群，让受试者观看上述图像，并通过眼动追踪技术检测其视觉注意力变化；同时采用问卷调查的方式评估受众的审美接受度。研究结果显示，博物学手绘稿更能唤起受众的注意力与好奇心，或可强化受众与海洋生态系统的情感联结，对于不熟悉海洋环境的人群而言这一效果尤为显著。本研究强调了艺术在提升公众环境意识与推动生态保护中的重要作用，并提出艺术化视觉呈现可作为强有力的载体，弥合生态教育与公众参与之间的鸿沟。