Miller-McCune reports on some surprising new research that suggests that presenting contextual information alongside a work of modern art may lessen a viewer’s enjoyment or appreciation of the piece.

From the article: “‘Providing contextual information led to participants perceiving examples of the various styles of art as matching less well with their internal standards than when no contextual information was presented,’ Bordens writes. In other words, they were more likely to feel a piece conformed to their personal ideas about art — and thus more likely to enjoy or appreciate it — when it was presented without interpretation.”

Do you agree? Can context be counterproductive?

Read the article: Context May Diminish Art Appreciation