Comparative Evaluation of Two Immersive Art Spaces Using ECG Data

To better understand the nature of art, this study investigated how different immersive environments influence viewers' physiological responses during art appreciation. We constructed two immersive spaces with distinct spatial characteristics: Immersive Space 1, which incorporates mirror displays to create a sense of infinite reflection, and Immersive Space 2, which is surrounded by large LED displays. While participants viewed a video artwork created by one of the authors, we recorded and analyzed their electrocardiographic (ECG) data. The results revealed that in Immersive Space 1, both sympathetic and parasympathetic activities were suppressed during art viewing, suggesting a state of heightened arousal and reduced physiological relaxation. In contrast, in Immersive Space 2, parasympathetic activity was dominant, suggesting a more relaxed, emotionally stable physiological state. These findings underscore the significance of spatial context in shaping the embodied aesthetic experience.