Trajectory of First-Year Elementary School Students and University Students in Art Appreciation

Expression of Ideal and Realistic Thinking

Abstract

This study examines first-graders’ and university students’ experience of and thoughts on artworks during appreciation. The information obtained from an art appreciation questionnaire was analyzed. The results revealed that first-graders tended to appreciate artwork by employing empathetic thinking. They understood the content of the artwork by imagining the context of the work. However, they had little awareness regarding artistic expression in the work. However, depending on the situation, college students employed empathetic and rational thinking. Subsequently, they understood the content and expression of the work.