Now this is interesting: A new study spearheaded by a research psychologist at Loyola University in New Orleans indicates that people who have just been scared are much more receptive to the charms of abstract art. Let’s test it. Look at Pollock’s Lavender Mist over there. Now: BOO slash slash BLOOD GORE slash VISCERA BAD INVESTMENTS slash EERIE NOISES slash RIVERS OF PUS PAIN slash GOUGE NAILS slash LOOK AT YOUR STILL-BEATING HEART AS YOU DIEeeee.
Now look at the painting again. Better?

(FULL ARTICLE: Tom Jacobs, Miller-McCune)