Art historical canon

Definition

The art historical canon refers to a set of artworks, artists, and movements that are widely recognized as the most important and influential in the history of art. This canon has traditionally been shaped by cultural, social, and political factors, leading to a predominance of Western male perspectives while often neglecting or excluding diverse voices, particularly those of women and marginalized groups. In the context of feminist art, the canon has been challenged and redefined to include works that highlight women's experiences and contributions to art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The art historical canon has been predominantly shaped by male artists and Eurocentric perspectives, often overlooking the contributions of women artists throughout history.
2. Feminist art movements emerged as a response to the exclusion of women's work from the canon, seeking to elevate female artists and highlight their unique experiences and narratives.
3. Challenging the canon involves re-evaluating traditional art historical narratives and incorporating diverse perspectives that reflect a broader understanding of art's role in society.
4. Art institutions, such as museums and galleries, play a significant role in reinforcing or challenging the canon through their collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
5. Recent trends in art history emphasize the importance of intersectionality, recognizing that race, class, gender, and sexuality all intersect in shaping an artist's experience and contribution to the art world.

Review Questions

• How has the emergence of feminist art challenged the traditional art historical canon?
  • Feminist art has challenged the traditional art historical canon by calling attention to the underrepresentation of women artists and their contributions within mainstream narratives. By highlighting women's unique experiences and creative expressions, feminist artists have sought to expand the canon to include works that reflect diverse perspectives. This challenge not only questions who gets included but also invites a reevaluation of what constitutes significant art.
• In what ways does canon formation impact the representation of marginalized voices in contemporary art?
  • Canon formation impacts the representation of marginalized voices by determining which artists and artworks are deemed significant enough to be recognized and celebrated. When the process is dominated by particular societal norms or institutional biases, it often leads to a narrow view that overlooks diverse contributions. As contemporary art seeks inclusivity, rethinking canon formation becomes essential for elevating those voices that have historically been sidelined.
• Evaluate how recent shifts in societal attitudes toward gender equality have influenced changes in the art historical canon.
  • Recent shifts in societal attitudes towards gender equality have significantly influenced changes in the art historical canon by promoting greater inclusivity and representation. As movements advocating for women's rights and social justice gain traction, there is a growing recognition of the need to reassess who is represented within artistic narratives. This has led to increased visibility for women artists and a more nuanced understanding of how gender intersects with race, class, and sexuality in shaping artistic contributions. Consequently, institutions are beginning to reflect these changes through exhibitions that highlight previously marginalized voices, fundamentally altering perceptions of art history.

Related terms

Feminist Art: A movement that emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s, aimed at addressing gender inequality in the art world by promoting the works of female artists and exploring themes related to women's rights and experiences.

Canon Formation: The process by which certain artworks and artists are selected for inclusion in the art historical canon, often influenced by societal norms, cultural values, and institutional power structures.

Marginalized Voices: The perspectives and contributions of individuals or groups who have been historically excluded or underrepresented in mainstream art narratives, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other minority communities.