# Sensitive Pictures: Emotional Interpretation in the Museum

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2203.01041 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.01041/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 2 Mar 2022.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Algorithmic Ways of Seeing: Using Object Detection to Facilitate Art Exploration](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.19174/) (2024)
- [If These Walls Could Talk: Critical Play with Large Language Models in Museums](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.15565/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Museums are interested in designing emotional visitor experiences to complement traditional interpretations. HCI is interested in the relationship between Affective Computing and Affective Interaction. We describe Sensitive Pictures, an emotional visitor experience co-created with the Munch art museum. Visitors choose emotions, locate associated paintings in the museum, experience an emotional story while viewing them, and self-report their response. A subsequent interview with a portrayal of the artist employs computer vision to estimate emotional responses from facial expressions. Visitors are given a souvenir postcard visualizing their emotional data. A study of 132 members of the public (39 interviewed) illuminates key themes: designing emotional provocations; capturing emotional responses; engaging visitors with their data; a tendency for them to align their views with the system's interpretation; and integrating these elements into emotional trajectories. We consider how Affective Computing can hold up a mirror to our emotions during Affective Interaction.