The political divide in the U.S. over the urgency of climate change is growing. Experts suggest that adding emotional and relatable elements to scientific data could help bridge this gap by bringing people with different opinions together. Thus, scientists and artists have started to collaborate, blending climate data with visual art to make the information more compelling and accessible. The hope is that presenting the data creatively will engage viewers in a way that traditional graphs can’t.

However, some have concerns that transforming data into art might make the facts harder to understand or open to misinterpretation. Others worry that people might find the information less credible when presented as part of a work of art. Additionally, those who don’t have an interest in art may feel disconnected or even distracted by such representations. Despite these challenges, many scientists remain confident that visual art is a powerful way to communicate their work.

Political beliefs often affect how people interpret data. For example, individuals may focus on parts of a graph that align with their existing views, further widening the political divide. However, research also suggests that when people experience emotions like anxiety, they may be more open to considering opposing viewpoints. Since art has the ability to evoke strong emotions, it may encourage people to reconsider information that challenges their beliefs. Therefore, this study set out to investigate whether artistic representations of climate data are more effective than traditional graphs in influencing emotions and political polarization.

To explore these ideas, researchers conducted two online experiments, the first with a sample of 319 U.S. adults and the second with a sample of 352 U.S. adults. Overall, participants were mostly white (74%) and 44 years of age on average. Just over half identified as female (51%).

In the first experiment, participants were shown either a graph of the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere or a painting with that same graph incorporated into it. The painting itself depicted melted glaciers and a map of Europe surrounded in red, reminiscent of a heat wave.

Participants were then shown an Instagram-style post that used the same visual they had seen previously, but with a short caption underneath explaining the graph and the impacts of climate change. They were then asked a series of questions to measure their:

• Emotional response to the visuals (e.g., hope, inspiration, sadness, anxiety)
• General interest in art
• Ability to recall the information conveyed by the visuals
• Political leaning

Participants were also asked to rate how credible they found the Instagram posts and how relevant climate change felt to them personally upon reflecting on the visuals.

In the second experiment, participants were only shown the Instagram posts and weren’t asked the reflective question.

Art With Data Is Still Emotional

Overall, artistic representations generated stronger positive emotions than traditional graphs. However, responses varied by level of interest in art. People less interested in art had a stronger negative emotional reaction to the graphs, while those with more interest in art had a stronger negative emotional reaction to the artwork. As such, the researchers emphasize the need to be aware of audience differences in art appreciation when creating visuals to convey scientific data.

Art Is Just As Memorable And Credible As Data Alone

Both artistic representations and traditional graphs were rated as equally trustworthy and effective for learning. However, the researchers believe that using art solely for its visual appeal, such as to grab attention, might not fully unlock its potential as a tool for public engagement on important societal issues. Instead, art should also encourage deeper thought to maximize its impact.

Reflecting On Data In Art Is Key

Artistic representations were more effective than traditional graphs in reducing political polarization, but only when participants were asked to reflect on the meaning and emotions evoked by the visuals. When participants weren’t prompted to reflect, this effect disappeared, showing that reflection played a critical role in bridging political divides.

So Is Art Effective At Conveying Data?

Based on their findings, the researchers suggest improving traditional graphs by adding visual elements that evoke emotions. Doing so can help make the information more relatable and engaging for audiences with diverse values and interests without sacrificing the underlying message.

In sum, blending art and data seems to foster emotional connections and can help reduce political divides on topics like climate change, especially in contexts that prompt personal reflection. For animal advocates, it may be worthwhile exploring artistic representations of information in digital campaigns to make messages more impactful. Advocates can consider collaborations with scientists and artists to create evidence-based art that inspires action and awareness.