Respond in a comment to the following questions:
What does art history mean to me?
Why is this my major?
What do I want to do with art history?
What do we do when we “do art history”?
What are our assumptions?
Read what your classmates have written and respond (before Thursday’s class) to at least one other writer.
What does art history mean to me?
Art history is like looking through a time portal to understand the social and cultural environments during different time periods. Art history has illustrated all important events in time, protested loudly against societal norms, connected different societies together and has shown the depth of the human mind. To me, art history is like studying the artists’ thoughts and feelings about the world around them.
Why is this my major?
I first became interested in art history when I went on a cruise with my family and they had a large art auction. Listening to the auctioneer give a brief history of each print he sold was very interesting to me, which my parents found impressive since I was only 12 and my younger brother and sister were fidgety and bored. Ever since that cruise, my dad would share his random artist biography books with me and take me to the museums in philadelphia. My grandparents supported my love for art by taking me to many of the museums in new york city (the whitney, the met, the MOMA, the guggenheim, etc). The first time I formally studied art history out of a book was in my AP studio art class in high school, and ever since then I knew it was what I wanted to do.
What do I want to do with art history?
I would love to work in museums one day. I’m not exactly sure what I would do, but I’ve always loved to visit museums and I think it would be great to work in one. I’m also not opposed to the idea of teaching one day as well.
What do we do when we “do art history”?
To me, art history is studying what people found to be culturally important; the subject matter, styles, and methods are a reflection of how society was at the time that the work was created, particularly socially and mentally. Countless paintings of the madonna and child reflect the heavy influence of Christianity, painted portraits of royalty reflect the importance of the figure portrayed and paintings of landscapes influenced by emotions show how the current state of nature made the artist feel; To study art is also to study how the world affected the artists at the time they created their pieces.
What are our assumptions?
Common assumptions in art history is that there were no women artists and that the only art there is is art from the west.
What does art history mean to me?
I like to separate the two– “art” and “history” when thinking about this discipline. I like to study the objectivity of art (such as design principles, composition, colour), but I also enjoy art as it as, as someone who fancies visual pleasures. Often, I find I have favourite works of art based off of aesthetic, and favourite works based off of history and/or artist’s intention. Which brings me to my next point; I’m a big history fan, so when studying art history you learn about the history of the time period, society, and the history (also known as a biography) of the artist themselves. (Not to mention I suppose studying culture can be counted under the history umbrella– I love to study others’ ways of life).
Why is this my major?
I know I want to stay in the art world because I like the creativity and spunk of artistically inclined people. I also love being able to to analyze a piece of art and/or knowing the background of a piece or movement. It really changes your life.
What do I want to do with art history?
I’m still trying to figure that out. I have some inklings of ideas, though; straight up art historian, something concerning biographies of artists (I’m sure there are other jobs than writer), art critic, or museum docent. (The last two might be particularly up my alley because of my tendencies to start lecturing those around me in depth about art history and/or an analysis of a piece whenever I see something particularly enticing, or out of the blue. Or just when I go to museums).
What do we do when we “do art history”?
One of the things I learned in a very high degree during my survey classes at NOVA was appreciation of art, so it’s hard for me to consider art history without this component. But art historians do much more! We learn about the history of art: what it conveys, why it was made (and the impact the piece(s) or movement had on society), and the cultures, traditions, and values it expresses. Doing so can– and does– lead to a greater understanding and appreciation for different people, societies, and walks of life. We also hold ourselves to the canon of the discipline but whilst doing so share its wealth of knowledge in articles, blog posts, exhibits, books, and lectures. We too exchange viewpoints in our attempts to understand what we are studying.
What are our assumptions?
I think that the public assumes that art history isn’t very valuable in today’s society, since art is considered a luxury. But inside the art world, non-Western art seems to be brushed off, as if it is not valued, or valuable enough to study. It is also dangerous to assume that our modern day perceptions match those of previous generations: one both misrepresents and misunderstands history this way. Perceptions are ever-changing, after all.
What does Art History mean to me?
Art History means a great deal more to me than sitting in a class and watching the slides change from, let’s say, Rembrandt to Edward Hopper. It means engaging in art work: using all possible outlets and experiences in my own life and looking at it from as many perspectives as I possibly can. It means dissecting it down to its every detail, contemplating it, discussing with experts and uninformed people about it, and finally, not always getting a straightforward answer, like you might in a math class.
I see myself as a “historical person,” meaning, I look back. I do not look back because I want to turn back, but because it helps me understand where and why circumstances are the way they are now. I strongly believe that we need people who look back at history and care about it. When I meet someone new, for example, I like to hear their backstory because it makes me understand them better and I can relate with them on a deeper level. It’s the same with Art History for me. I like to know the details and Art History allows me to explore that from multiple viewpoints (from the artist’s, the sitters, the century etc.)
Why is this my major?
I am majoring in Art History for several reasons besides the fact that I simply enjoy it, although that is a crucial reason. The major, although I did not know it when I first declared, has completely opened my eyes in more ways than I ever could have envisioned a major to do. I know more names and dates than I ever could have thought but I also see colors and shapes more vibrantly when I walk down the street or look at a painting. And I tribute all of this to the professors and colleagues of the Art History department here that I have been lucky enough to absorb information from. Since I have been in the major, I have formed a more complex understanding about everything whether it be physics, culture, relationships, literature, mythology, sex.. The list goes on.
What do I want to do with Art History?
I want to keep learning, reading and developing a deeper understanding of Art History, I hope, for the rest of my life. And further– although I have no set “future plans,” I would love to share my knowledge of Art History if it meant I was sparking an interest in someone else’s mind. I love to see people passionate about art so I would love to work in a museum or set up my own gallery someday. Whatever I “do” with art history, I hope it involves working with other people to come up with imaginative, progressive and worthwhile purpose.
What do we do when we “do” Art History?
When we “do” Art History, we delve into a new world. A world where we can see what other cultures from centuries or even just years before found important, what changes happened, what wars occurred, what secrets were held, etc. Art History reflects the society and culture in which it was created and through studying it, we can create our own understanding of it. Art is universal and did not stop during any time period in history (I am thinking back to the Catal Huyuk Volcano Painting) which, I solemnly believe, proves its importance. Similarly to literature, we can discover stories of the past (from the writers/ societies perspective). Yet, some stories and feelings can not be explained in even the most poetic of words. When we “do” Art History we are confronting the times and places and seeing into the emotions felt and the sober or joyful depths of experiences that we otherwise we may have not had access to.
What are our assumptions?
There are many assumptions, due to the fact that there are not always all the answers. Biases as well stem from that too. One is that Art history is a “womans field,” when in fact, men were the ones who studied it for a long time.
What does Art History mean to me?
Art History captures more than just the chronology of works created by various peoples at different points in the known history of the world. Careful consideration and research into the customs, beliefs, geography or superstitions of an era enables us to gain a better understanding of the person(s) who invested the time, blood and sweat that transformed an idea into a visible, tangible reflection of the “artist” and the community in which the work evolved.
Why is this my Major?
For this student, Art History will add a new dimension to past experiences in museums here and abroad. I will revisit various works that have already touched my life and it will be like seeing them for the first time. The creations I have not yet encountered will most likely gain a more prevalent spot on the list of things to do before I die, otherwise known as “the bucket list.” Pursuing this course of study is the realization of a lifelong dream. Furthermore, at a time in the world’s history when centuries old art and architecture are at risk of being demolished by those who would happily destroy Western Civilization or anything that conflicts with their fundamentalist views, I feel a sense of urgency in achieving this goal.
What do we do when we “do” Art History?
When we “do” Art History we observe drawings, paintings, sculptures, buildings and numerous other mediums of creation by people who lived anywhere from thousands of years ago to the present day. We give their works immortality by appreciating, analyzing and acknowledging their existence. We bridge the gap between then and now as we realize how much we have in common with all who have gone before us. We learn new ways to express our own hopes, desires, needs, emotions if we choose to also create mediums. We learn empathy and we are changed each time we take in the essence of the creators who have left their mark on this world. But more importantly, we advocate for the importance of art and the need to preserve it. The art we grow to love becomes part of us and can make us better for the encounters.
What are our assumptions?
Sometimes we assume that everyone will agree with our personal affection for a particular master or his/her greatest works. We cannot imagine why anyone with a spark of life in them is not drawn to art as we are. Maybe we cannot imagine the world without art. I certainly cannot imagine MY personal world without art. Perhaps we assume that those who do not see with our eyes are unrefined, uneducated, uninteresting. We even assume that the artists we love now were appreciated at the time they were creating their masterpieces but in many cases that was not true. I have learned to assume nothing about anyone or anything. In truth, if everyone loved the world’s art the way I do, I might never get close enough to take it in. Have you ever waited anxiously for an exhibit to open and then when you finally go the museum is mobbed? Did you wish you could just have 2 hours by yourself to take it all in without having to look over or around other people or have them walk in front of you as you are reading the caption for the work on display? Just imagine how much worse it would be if the masses had our passion. I prefer to make no assumptions about those who don’t appreciate what I like, about the success or failure of the artists to whom I am drawn or even that the world will always value art and its place in our society. Take nothing for granted!
What does art history mean to me?
This question is deceptively difficult. I could come up with a lot of different answers, but I think my true answer boils down to truth. I firmly believe art exists in all studies and disciplines. From physics to oil painting to folk dance, there are many practitioners. Many are novices, most are craftsmen, and there a precious few who move past these into the realm of artistry. The products of artistry — woven tapestries or elegant equations — contain some element of definitive truth. Sometimes, the truths deal with universal human emotion, and sometimes, they deal with the unyielding forces of nature. Either way, they are evidence of the human ability to discover and accept truth.
Why is this my major?
Right now, I’m a stressed out twenty-three year old, and despite being a senior in college, I don’t really know anything. Being constantly exposed to brilliant, thought provoking, and beautiful works of traditional art allows me use these works as tools towards my own understanding of truth. The works of Artemesia Gentileschi opened my eyes to social injustices, while many of Jackson Pollock’s works are a balm to my troubled soul. Art, as we art historians know it, is a vehicle of change towards truth — be it personal, societal, or cultural.
What do I want to do with art history?
Like I said earlier, I believe art can occur in any field. Architecture has played on the edges of traditional fine art for years, but I am resolute that buildings can be just as impactful as a painted canvas, both on the human psyche and culture as a whole. Currently, I am exploring the possibility of going to Architecture School, where I would use many of the skills and “truths” learned from this program.
What do we do when we “do art history”?
There are so many facets of art history. Often, we do a contextual research to understand the cultural, social, economic, and political landscape of the creation period. Additionally, we dive into the personal history of the artist, and if possible, try to discern the reasons and meaning of the particular work. I love doing this part of the work; however, the most (I believe) rewarding facets of art history come after the initial research. Formal analysis prompts an art historian to ruminate and break a work down into its functional parts. We examine what the parts mean and how do they affect a viewer. From there, we can synthesize our findings and apply them towards a universal truth.
What are our assumptions?
I’ll be real. I’m not sure what this question is supposed to mean. If we’re talking about art historians in general, I think we are meant to have no assumptions. Obviously, this is easier said than done, but the “history” part of our field dictates a need to examine an artwork with impartiality and neutrality. We should let the artwork speak for itself, and not project our own biases onto the canvas.
Caroline, I really connected with what you said about forming “a more complex understanding about everything whether it be physics, culture, relationships, literature, mythology, sex… The list goes on.”
This is so true! This is what I love about learning more about a subject: you start to it in everything around you.
What does Art History mean to me?
A: I like learning about the personal history of an object when I visit a museum. When I explore the history of a artwork and/or the creator of a work it not only gives me a better understanding but I can better relate to the work and its creator and kind of get into the creators head and, in a way, get to know them without ever meeting them.
Why is this my major?
A: At first I wanted to major in studio art but later switched to Art History. Even though I like to draw, my heart was in the history aspect of it. I started to acquire my love of history from watching shows like Raiders of the lost Art and Mysteries at the Museum and looking at the personal stories of the objects featured in the show. I like learning about the significance of an object and its role in history.
What do I want to do with it?
A: I would like to work in a museum, but open to other positions in other art institutions since I am still not sure what job I want to take in the field of Art History.
What do we do when we do Art History?
A: I think it’s more than just giving a lesson or two in a classroom, when you learn something, new particularly in history, it helps transport you to that time frame. You get an idea of the social structure, and other things about that period. You get into the mind set of that artist and can get a better understanding of that art movement. And then when you teach the next generation about art you can teach them with the same passion as the generation that taught you.
What are our assumptions?
A: Some of the first assumptions that come to mind for me is that people assume an Art degree of any kind is useless. When my mother told one my uncles I was majoring in art in college he told her that I should leave school and get a job without considering what jobs I could possibly have in the field. Second, certain types of art like in the modern and contemporary era people look at and think things like “Why is this up here?” or “A three year old could have done this” they might say these things without taking time to really analyze or learn about the story of an artwork.
What does art history mean to me?
To me, art history is the exploration of all fields of art using the body’s natural senses as well as the knowledge of a subject or era. We explore a painting or sculpture using our eyes; a handmade rug or embroidery using our sense of touch; we explore food using our sense of taste; a piece of music using our hearing; and we use smell to explore the other, many ways a person can create art. By using our senses as well as knowledge to explore a piece of art, we can learn, or at least speculate, the way the artist created his/her piece and what event or experience prompted them to do so.
Why is this my major?
Although it is not my major, art history has always been something in which I have always been interested. My major is Historic Preservation and I’m minoring in Museum Studies here at UMW so I do get a touch of art history within these departments. Growing up I have always been interested in art and throughout my K-12 education, history was always my favorite subject. Being able to fuse these two interests together with the 100-level art history classes and now this art history class at UMW has been very intriguing, fun, and educational. I chose Historic Preservation as my major because one of my main interests, along with Museum Studies, is Architectural Preservation so the Historic Preservation major hit more of my educational interests along with future career interests.
What do I want to do with art history?
By educating myself in art history along with Historic Preservation and Museum Studies, I do hope to work in the museum field one day. Even though I haven’t exactly decided what I want to do within the museum field, I have some ideas like art conservationist, curator, archivist, and exhibit designer.
What do we do when we “do art history”?
Art History not only educates a person about who, what, and when an artist completed a piece of work but also why they completed it. What made the artist decide to paint this specific painting or form a specific sculpture? Was it an event that happened in their life personally? Or an event that changed the culture of the area in which they live? “Doing art history” is exploring the past events of a specific region or culture that prompted an artist to produce a specific work.
What are our assumptions?
I think society’s main assumption about art history is when you graduate with a degree in art history you won’t be able to find a job in the field. Although it may be a harder field to get into than business, for example, it is still a good possibility that you will end up doing something you love since there is so many different aspects to the field.
In response to Patti O,
I am guilty of becoming astonished when I learn someone is not (in the very least) as interested in art as I am and tend to ask the “Why?” question. You do make a very good point when you say, “if everyone loved the world’s art the way I do, I might never get close enough to take it in.” Even though a part of me thinks everyone on the planet should have some appreciation for/interest in art, museums would be a more popular and hectic place compared to what they are now and I wouldn’t be able to enjoy myself when visiting one.
Erin, I agree with you that the assumptions question is a bit ambiguous and is open to many interpretations. Also, you are right about how our biases can effect the way we learn and interpret Art. If we look at art through our own personal filter we’ll never truly understand and/or appreciate an Artwork.
What does art history mean to me?
To me, Art History means learning about aspects of the past through painting, sculptures, and other mediums. It is a way to put myself in the mindset of the artist and study his/her perspective of the world. It allows me to learn about past civilizations and cultures and see how it affected different people.
Why is this my major?
This is my major because at a very young age I discovered that I felt at peace when I was doing art. When I started going to museums, I learned that art history has a way of depicting things in a way that I understand. I can study the piece of art and learn all the history and what the artist meant with it but I also get the chance to interpret it any way I want. Art history has a way of making learning about the past exciting. I get to see how one object impacted cultures across the world. Also the manner in which art history classes are taught allow me to interpret things in multiple manners opening my mind to multiple possibilities of understanding something.
What do I want to do with Art History?
I will like to apply the thought process of art historians to everyday situations. I want to work at a museum or gallery and continue learning about past and present cultures. I would also like to continue my education in this field because it is fascinating to think that there are pieces of art that still need more studying and explaining. I would like to teach others that art history opens up your mind to different ways of looking at something, that you can look at a painting, sculpture or building and learn why it was made and what it meant to the artist and its audience.
What do we do when we “do” Art History?
When we “do” Art History, we learn about the past, about cultures, religions, technology and many other fields. We study how icons are represented throughout centuries, their origin and their meaning. We learn about the development of society and how we got to where we are and not only society but the individual mind as well.
What are our assumptions?
Society assumes that a degree in Art History does not carry much value. That this field is has nothing to offer and that it is a waste of time and money. Also, many people assume that only women study Art History and that only men were artists. We also assume that there is little left to discover or to learn about it because we have “found” everything from the past.
Patti O, I like how you said that we assume that what we find interesting, everyone else should. It made me reflect about how I think that my passion for a certain period of art is more important than others’, that people should concentrate on this specific time because it had the most impact on society and in art. I also agree with you about how people go on living without art.
To Erin:
Erin, I really liked your post, too. I connected with what you said about truth and art. I think that would be an interesting discussion topic.
I also found your comment about not knowing anything to be really awesome. People don’t like to admit that very often these days. I connected your thought back to a phrase I learned in Latin class last year: “e pluribus unum,” which means “out of many, one.” The phrase now has come to suggest that out of many peoples, arts, races, religions, languages, and ancestries there has emerged a single world – sort of illustrating the perception of a melting pot. I think as Art History majors, we can sometimes feel like we know everything. But in reality, the the art world is never ending and there is so much more to learn. Nice thoughts!
What does art history mean to me?
Art history means understanding culture and understanding history in a larger sense. It is a way to look at the past while not relying completely on the written word. Art history also means exploration. I love that I can look at a work of art and be transported to the story or the time period or the place.
Why is this my major?
It is almost by sheer luck or accident that this is my major. Art history classes were not offered at my high school and I had only visited an art museum once before coming to Mary Wash. I happened to take ARTH114 during the spring semester of my freshman year and was mesmerized. I continued to take more advanced classes until I made it to Romanesque and Gothic Art with Professor Dabb. She and I had a conversation along the lines of “well if you think you are going to continue to take art history classes, you might as well declare the major.” It was one of the best decisions I have made. I am a visual learner, so a discipline that is concentrated around analyzing objects is perfect for me.
What do I want to do with art history?
I want to enjoy myself. Art history classes are my escape from life, basically. It is like taking an hour long field trip to a museum or foreign cathedral. On the practical side of things, I think having an art history background will help with my career goals of museum work. I was slightly worried as an incoming freshman about how the museum professional world views a historic preservation degree. I think that having a degree in art history as well helps to balance out my world view and guides future employers in understanding my educational background in terms of preparedness for the museum world.
What do we do when we “do art history”?
On a literally level, I feel like we sit in a dark room and stare at paintings that are projected on the wall. But beyond that, we investigate other cultures and peoples. These works of art tell stories about their creators, the time period then, the time period now, the stories, and so much more.
What are our assumptions?
I think sometimes art historians can take things for granted and not pursue them as far as possible.
What does art history mean to me?
I am not good at painting, drawing and creating objects, but I like to observe Western paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other arts not only museum but also art book. It is very interesting when I learning the stylistic and formal development of artistic traditions on a large scale and within a broad historical perspective, including artistic styles, periods, and the political and cultural movement.
Why is this my major?
Traveled to the foreign countries were good experiences, on the other hand, the guide books were not enough to explain about arts and architectures, particularly the meaning of religious symbolism in Christian art. Whenever I traveled to European countries, I had frustrate about my knowledge of arts and architectures for a long time. After retired, my dream comes true to study Art history.
What do I want to do with it?
I would like to coordinate between Japan and other foreign countries through art and the theater.
What does art history mean to me?
Art history is happiness to me. I always enjoyed creating art in school, but I fell in love with studying art. What drew me to art history was the story behind each work. Not only was there a narrative or idea conveyed in the work, but it gives us the story behind the artist, his/her life, struggles, style, and participation in his/her society. To this day, my friends still jokingly make fun of me for getting excited about going to art museums. Each work has its unique provenance, telling us the culture and history during the work’s creation and onward. A painting is not just some materials slapped onto canvas, there is so much more confined within that frame. There is emotion, history, commentary, an artist’s milieu, etc. I am constantly fascinated by the field of art. Through the improvement of technology, we are learning new things about old works while developing new platforms, such as digital art.
Why is this my major?
This is my major because it is what I enjoy. I knew at an early age that I wanted to teach, so for years I struggled with deciding what area I wanted to specialize in, it eventually came down to science or visual arts. I enjoyed microbiology and astronomy, I was fascinated by studying the micro and macro sciences. On the contrary, the arts were a representation of free expression. I chose to follow the arts path after my first art history class senior year of high school. I loved looking at art, studying the artists and their motives, and critiquing and discussing art in class; sadly, I was the only student out of the 12 in the class that showed interest so the discussions were primarily just with the teacher.
What do I want to do with art history?
I want to be an art teacher, ideally an art teacher. Unfortunately, I have not seen a lot of art history classes available in public schools, at least in this area. In any case, it is my goal to incorporate art history into every lesson. I think it is important for every person to have a knowledge of the arts and an understanding of how to look at art. I think the idea of truly seeing an object can improve a person’s understanding of the object, an idea that can cross over into multiple disciplines.
What do we do when we “do art history”?
To “do art history” is to see. Take the time to really look and object and think about them. We compare and contrast to other sources. We make connections to what we understand and feel. To “do art history” is to study a field dependent on the understanding of how to see and how to contemplate.
What are our assumptions?
One assumption of those who study art history do not enjoy or discuss contemporary works of art. There is a perception created by using the term “history” of focusing on the past and not the now. Another assumption made about the art history field is that there is a focus on just the western canon, that the eastern worlds of art are over-looked or under stressed in the teaching of art and art history.
Response to Sam M.
I agree with your post. Your post remind me what I wanted to describe about art history. I really like what you said you enjoy art as it as someone who fancies visual pleasures.
In response to Sam M.,
First, I totally understand the compulsion to ramble about art, that’s part of the reason I’m going down the education route. Second, I think you raise an interesting point about perceptions now and comparing them to perceptions of the past. Our brains have the natural inclination to connect dots, even if they aren’t always there. I also agree with your statement about the cling to the western tradition and is something I touched on in my response as well.
What does Art History mean to me?
Art History means so much to me–a very vague sentence, but a truthful one. Art history is a bridge between the new and old world. It has shown me time and time again that times have changed but humans really haven’t. Art History allows me to open up a side of myself that I don’t often express. The more I learn about a work, the more emotional I feel and the more love I feel for the subject. How can I look at a still, 2D work and want to cry with joy and sadness all at once? How is it possible to feel peace by looking at a particular combination of colors. Art history is equal parts a safe haven, an old friend and a constant surprise. It is a bridge between the new and old world. It has shown me time and time again that times have changed but humans really haven’t.
Why is this my major?
I took an art history course in high school and absolutely loved it. Now that I look back on it, it was quite basic and most of the information was thrown at me rather than having the opportunity to appreciate a work for more than a few seconds. I took the preliminary courses at UMW and the more classes that I took the more I kept coming back to art history. It also helped that I performed very well academically:) My defining moment was likely my High Renaissance course with Prof. Och. It was probably one of the most challenging courses I’ve ever taken but it made me appreciate the work that I was doing, and I was surrounded by people that loved the same subject–it was really special. More than anything I love that you never stop finding things to learn about. This treasure trove of a subject is constantly creating new material for its followers and you can’t say that about all majors.
What do I want to do with it?
I am constantly looking at things in a new light because of art history and it has allowed me to develop a critical eye in issues of design and interpretation. Furthermore, I will never look at anything in the same way again. I intend to use this critical eye to aid a future career in the art world as well as the museum world. Besides that, I think it’s important for me to pass on what I’ve learned to the people in my life, to help them understand why art history is important.
What do we do when we ‘do art history’?
When we do art history it is more than simply looking at a painting and identifying a subject. We consider so many things from patrons to the historical context of the period to the background of the artist. We consider ever possible event and situation that could have lead to the finished work before us. In a way you don’t ‘do’ art history, you delve into it, you get lost in it, you experience it.
What are the assumptions?
One of the greatest assumptions about this field is that you can’t do anything with an Art History degree. I find this to be an incredibly ignorant statement. You can do so much with a degree in art history! You can work in a gallery, a museum, a university, you can teach, you can go to law school and practice law specifically related to art. And honestly, who cares if you don’t “use” your degree in the traditional sense? It’s what we take away from earning the degree that matters more than how we end up using it.
Comment on another student’s post: Caroline, I love what you said in response to the assumption question. The idea that art history is a “woman’s field” is such an age old concept. Yes, in the beginning art history professors were male while the majority of students were female. Now there are many female professors and males students. I also have to point out the irony of art history being a “woman’s field” when even today the contributions of female artists are looked over in art history classes.
What does art history mean to me?/Why is this my major?
To me, these are the same question. I am an art history major because of what the discipline means to me as a person. My first significant experience with art history was with the Futurists–specifically, Marinetti’s Futurist manifesto. I loved the dynamism and the poetic language (even if I didn’t agree with the misogyny and war-mongering.) This lead me to conduct a deeper study of the Futurists and their splinter movements, which in turn lead me to a deeper understanding of how World War One occurred and the atmosphere of pre-war Europe beyond what I had learned in history class. Because of this experience, I feel that art history is a way of understanding humanity–why we made the choices we did and what sort of societies we lived in.
What do I want to do with art history?
I think I just want to understand it. Art history is chaotic, and as I mentioned before, I think it reflects who we are as humanity. Therefore, I want to do something that will allow me to learn and engage with new ideas as a part of my job.
Of course, I would also like to get paid, because I also like being able to buy food.
What do we do when we “do art history”?/What are our assumptions?
I think that when we “do art history” we study artwork in order to better understand a time period or a person. We create narratives of society, trying to determine who people were and what was important to them. This can lead to many assumptions because of our own personal biases–for example, that works created by notable female artists were actually made by men.
To Sam:
I was interested to hear that you separated “art” and “history.” Personally, I’ve always seen the two as interconnected–that one of the benefits of being an art historian was that you could use artistic interpretations to better understand history. I suppose the drawback to this is you can lose the pure aesthetic appreciation that you mentioned in your post.
Elayna:
I couldn’t agree more with your responses towards your answers of the first and fourth questions. I believe we share common interests– or even passions– in this field, and the depth of your answers provides a lot of insight. Better than my own answers, in my opinion.
Angie:
Your comment about society’s attitude towards the study of Art History resonated with me. When I told a friend that I would be returning to school to major in Art History, he said, “that’s fine because you have already had 2 careers but when an 18 year old tells me he or she is pursuing a degree in Art History I ask what they plan to do for a job.” There really are some preconceived ideas about Art History and the people who to study it. Those assumptions are driven by a lack of understanding of the ways that art touches all of our lives. So happy to be in this misunderstood class of people.
To Erin,
I loved how you worded your response to the first question. That is exactly what I was trying to say but couldn’t find the right words. I agree 100% that art history is about truth. Works of art can say so much about a topic, even if it was not indented. I loved your line..”Sometimes, the truths deal with universal human emotion, and sometimes, they deal with the unyielding forces of nature.” Art says so much and I love that the field of art history is about finding out what messages they are sending.
Caitlin,
I really liked the statement “I study art history because I want to understand it”. Even though it’s pretty broad, I feel as though I can relate to that. I study art history because I so desperately want to understand the emotions, culture, and society of the artists on a more deep and human level. It was very strong and concise.