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。相较于非艺术化的呈现形式，艺术化呈现海洋生物多样性的作品是否更能吸引注意力、更具美学感染力，这一问题在环境教育语境中尤为关键。本研究旨在探究不同视觉呈现风格——即19世纪博物学手绘作品（naturalist drawings）与当代非艺术化水下摄影作品（underwater photographs）——对观者视觉注意力与美学接受度（aesthetic reception）的影响。研究团队选取两组图像，分别为上述两类作品，每组图像所呈现的海洋环境、物种与画面构图均具备可比性。共招募58名受试者参与实验，其中包含水肺潜水员与非潜水人群体；受试者观览图像期间，研究人员通过眼动追踪技术（eye-tracking technology）监测其视觉注意力水平，同时通过问卷调查评估其美学接受度。研究结果表明，博物学手绘作品更易引发观者的注意力与好奇心，或可强化受众与海洋生态系统的情感联结，这一效果在不熟悉海洋环境的人群中尤为突出。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有力工具，弥合生态教育与公众参与之间的鸿沟。