What is the appeal of Ganzfeld art?

What is it about?

Ganzfeld artworks—uniform fields of light—are known for creating unusual and immersive perceptual experiences. Artists such as James Turrell have used these environments to evoke powerful experiences, yet until now there has been little scientific evidence explaining how and why people find these artworks aesthetically appealing. In this study, we investigated what happens when people experience Ganzfeld art and how these experiences relate to feelings of beauty and liking. Participants viewed a Ganzfeld artwork while their brain activity, eye movements, and subjective experiences were recorded. They also reported changes in color, brightness, bodily sensations, and hallucinations. We found that altered states of consciousness played an important role in the aesthetic appeal of Ganzfeld art. Feelings of beauty and liking reflected different aspects of the experience: liking was linked to changes in depth perception, while feelings of beauty were associated with bodily sensations, particularly experiences of lightness, and specific patterns of brain activity. Some participants also reported transcendental or sublime-like experiences, similar to those described in meditation. Additionally, we identified two main ways people processed the artwork—one more abstract and reflective, and another grounded in sensory perception. Eye movement patterns suggested that moments of perceptual distortion were accompanied by a focused visual state. Overall, this first empirical study of Ganzfeld art shows that its aesthetic power lies in its ability to induce deep, introspective, and meditative-like experiences.

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Photo by Max Harlynking on Unsplash

Photo by Max Harlynking on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research provides the first scientific evidence clarifying why Ganzfeld art experiences can feel so powerful. By showing how these artworks induce altered states of consciousness and striking perceptual experiences that influence the aesthetic experience, the study helps bridge art, neuroscience, and psychology. It highlights how art can foster introspection and meditative-like states, offering insights relevant not only to artists and art audiences but also to broader discussions about well-being, perception, and the transformative potential of immersive environments.