Abstract
The first contrast (regionality/locality) is a feature of plastic expression. This paper deals with the question of how many students can identify this contrast. The number and percentages among those successful in the viewing experience (60) and unsuccessful (40) were 39 (65%) and 13 (32.5%) respectively, a sizeable disparity thus emerging, of around 30 percentage points. Of the three abilities to identify contrasts, the most effective when it comes to appropriate apprehension of theme is the first contrast, second is the third contrast (partial focusing/overall grasp), and third is the second contrast (realistic expression/conceptual expression). Working back from this result with the aim of guiding students toward a successful viewing experience, it was found that actions that promote awareness of the first contrast are the number one factor in the successful apprehension of theme. The ability to grasp theme is deemed central to art appreciation ability, and this paper examines the efficacy and validity of the hypothesis holding that the three aspects of identifying ability function as part of art appreciation ability in order to realize this.
