Towards a tactile aesthetics: on the adaptation of works of plastic art for the visually disabled

Authors

  • Maria Clara de Almeida Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
  • Filipe Herkenhoff Carijó Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
  • Virgínia Kastrup Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Keywords:

visual disability, tactile perception, aesthetic experience, plastic arts

Abstract

Three common strategies for providing the visually disabled with access to plastic arts are analyzed: adapting works of art via raised-line techniques, using representational textures and selecting sculptures. We draw upon studies in the cognitive psychology of touch (such as GIBSON, 1962; LEDERMAN, 1997; HATWELL; MARTINEZ-SAROCCHI, 2000), in order to discuss both the adequacy of these strategies vis-à-vis the modality of touch and their aesthetic reach. We show that most "tactile versions" are by no means tactile: by ignoring both the cognitive properties and the expressive dimension of touch, they end up reproducing visual standards. We suggest that access to the plastic arts should be understood in terms of the invention of a truly tactile aesthetics.Keywords: visual disability; tactile perception; aesthetic experience; plastic arts.

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Author Biographies

  • Maria Clara de Almeida, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
    Aluna do Curso de Graduação em Psicologia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ.
  • Filipe Herkenhoff Carijó, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

    Aluno do Curso de Graduação em Psicologia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ.

  • Virgínia Kastrup, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
    Doutora em Psicologia e professora do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ.

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Published

2010-05-01

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 1 (2010)

Section

Articles

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To the extent possible under the law, Fractal: Journal of Psychology has waived all copyright and related rights to the Reference Lists in research articles. This work is published in: Brazil.

To the extent possible under law,Fractal: Journal of Psychology has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to Reference lists in research articles. This work is published from: Brazil.

How to Cite

Towards a tactile aesthetics: on the adaptation of works of plastic art for the visually disabled. Fractal: Journal of Psychology, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, v. 22, n. 1, p. 85–100, 2010. Disponível em: https://periodicos.uff.br/fractal/article/view/4781. Acesso em: 8 dec. 2025.