Exposure to Fernando Botero’s Art Is Associated with Lower Implicit Bias Against People with Obesity

Abstract

This study investigated associations of exposure to Fernando Botero's artwork with fatphobia. Using two 2 × 2 designs, participants were exposed to Botero's work and paintings with nudity. Implicit bias was measured using an Implicit Association Test, while explicit bias was assessed with the Fatphobia scale. Results showed that exposure to Botero's art was associated with reduced implicit bias against people with obesity, but had no association with explicit fatphobia. Nudity in art showed no association with either implicit or explicit biases, and no interaction effects were found. The study concludes that Botero's art could be leveraged through various means to combat fatphobia and promote inclusivity, highlighting the potential of art to influence societal attitudes towards body size.