Exploring Visual Art and Aesthetic Preferences Among 5–6-Years: Case Study of a Preschool from China

Abstract

The present research investigates the aesthetic preferences and perceptions of children between 5 and 6 years inclined toward artworks. Special focus was given to emotional, sensory and cognitive factors that shape their engagement with visual art. The study aimed to investigate how these children who like artworks respond to specific artistic elements, such as color, subject matter and style, and how familiarity and novelty influence their preferences. The methodology for this study is purely qualitative, with eight children participating in an in-depth examination of individual children's responses to art within their naturalistic environment. The findings of the present research work show that children who prioritize aesthetics exhibit preferences due to their emotional responses toward vibrant colours, familiar subjects, and dynamic forms. Synesthesia revealed itself in this investigation through visual stimuli leading to sensory modality associations. Non-verbal expressions, such as facial reactions and body movements, provided valuable insights into their emotional engagement with the artworks. It is concluded by present research work that children's aesthetic development is shaped by a combination of familiarity, novelty, emotional resonance, and multisensory experiences, and the findings of present research have implications for art education, suggesting that incorporating both familiar and novel artistic elements can enhance young children's engagement with art and foster creativity.