I recently had a thought-provoking conversation with the Canadian artist Alexander Jowett, in which he asked me the interesting question of whether there is a connection between introverted personalities and minimalist art. A very fascinating question that has stayed with me ever since. Could it be that our personality correlates with our taste in art? I would like to explore this exciting question in more detail today.
During my research, I quickly realized that there is actually a connection between personality and artistic taste. But first, let’s briefly clarify what is meant by the term “personality”. Personality describes the entirety of an individual’s psychological traits that influence the way one thinks, feels and behaves. It is shaped by both genetic predispositions and environmental influences. While some aspects of personality remain relatively stable over time, others can be changed by the experiences we make or through conscious effort.
Throughout history, researchers and scientists have developed various models to classify and understand our personalities. At this point, however, I would like to mention that their reliability is controversial. Among the best known are the commercial Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Big Five model. For example, many researchers and scientists are rather critical of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator because it lacks scientific validity and reliability. The Big Five model, on the other hand, is scientifically more grounded and meaningful. It describes human personality in terms of five main dimensions: Openness (to experiences), Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.1 These traits are considered a continuum on which each person is individually positioned. Within these five dimensions, there are in turn more specific facets that describe in more detail how each trait manifests.
Nevertheless, I would like to point out that the results of such tests should not be taken as “given.” After all, personality can change depending on the context and current life situation.2
Connection between personality and taste in art
So, that’s it for the topic of personality. Let’s now return to the core question of whether there is a connection between our personality and our taste in art.
Numerous studies have been dealing with this question for almost a century. One team of researchers, for example, found that personal preferences for art are influenced by a combination of personality traits, demographic factors, and art experiences.3 Another study found that the Big Five dimension “Openness to experience” is a strong predictor of aesthetic preferences, with gender, ethnicity, and artistic experience also playing a role.4 People with a high level of openness to new experiences therefore more often prefer abstract and novel art forms, while people with a low level of openness appreciate more traditional and representational art forms. While this personality trait shows a clear correlation with our preference for art, the results for other traits such as introversion are inconsistent and sometimes even contradictory in different studies.5,6
What the studies do agree on, however, is that our personality traits influence our aesthetic preferences. But there is still plenty of room for individual differences and deviations. Although the studies conducted so far have not been able to address the diversity of existing art styles, they do provide valuable insights into the complexity of art preferences. It is impossible to consider all variables and differences in a single study – which means that many questions remain unanswered.
In my humble opinion, personality tests can offer interesting insights, but they can never capture the full complexity of an individual. Every person is unique and influenced by a multitude of factors that go beyond simple categorizations.
I obviously have a great appreciation for minimalist art, but what does that say about me as a person?
What about me? Since I obviously have a great appreciation for minimalist art, I wonder what that says about me as a person. Would I describe myself as introverted? I think so because I draw strength from tranquility, feel more comfortable in intimate settings than in large crowds. For me, minimalist art is a haven of serenity. It gives me space to breathe, reflect, explore and it speaks to me on a deep emotional level.
Speaking of emotions: While I am writing these lines, the question suddenly arises – Are these studies perhaps approaching the topic too superficially? Isn’t art more about what it triggers in us on an emotional level? Even if these studies show noteworthy correlations between personality traits and art preferences, they cannot fully capture the deeper emotional resonance that a work of art can evoke in us – regardless of our taste in art.
A very exciting topic. What about you? How would you describe your personality and what kind of art do you like best? Have you ever wondered why you are attracted to certain art forms? Comment here or join the conversation on Instagram.
Further Reading / Resources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Five_personality_traits
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s44159-024-00295-z
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886900002026?via%3Dihub
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.2190/EM.32.2.f
- https://www.nature.com/articles/148346a0
- https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1959-09934-001
- Myers Briggs: https://www.myersbriggs.org/
- Big Five Test: https://bigfive-test.com/
- Can Personality Be Changed? The Role of Beliefs in Personality and Change by Carol S. Dweck: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2008.00612.x
- Study: Who art thou? Personality predictors of artistic preferences in a large UK sample: The importance of openness: https://cocosci.princeton.edu/annehsu/papers/premuzic-whoart.pdf
- The Art You Like Reveals Your Personality Traits: https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/the-art-you-like-reveals-your-personality-traits
About Exploring Aesthetics:
Sarah loves asking questions and exploring the things she engages with on a daily basis. Exploring aesthetics is her column which discusses art, design, and aesthetics to explore, inspire, and question the status quo.
