Art historical canon

Definition

The art historical canon refers to a set of artworks, artists, and movements that are deemed significant and worthy of study within the field of art history. This selection often reflects dominant cultural narratives and values, resulting in the exclusion of diverse voices and perspectives. The canon is not static; it evolves over time as new critical frameworks emerge, challenging traditional hierarchies and bringing attention to marginalized artists and movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feminist critiques of the art historical canon highlight how traditional narratives have often excluded female artists and non-Western perspectives.
2. The canon can perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce power structures by prioritizing certain styles or mediums over others.
3. Art movements like Abstract Expressionism have been critiqued for their male-dominated narratives, prompting feminist artists to seek recognition and redefine what is valued in art.
4. Recent scholarship has aimed to diversify the canon by incorporating artists from various backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ creators and artists of color.
5. Debates around the canon often reflect broader societal changes, such as shifts in feminist theory, which challenge conventional ideas about authorship, creativity, and cultural value.

Review Questions

• How do feminist critiques challenge the traditional art historical canon?
  • Feminist critiques challenge the traditional art historical canon by questioning why many prominent artists featured in it are predominantly male and often white. They argue that this exclusion marginalizes female artists and their contributions to art history. By highlighting overlooked works and advocating for a more inclusive perspective, feminists aim to reshape the narrative of art history to reflect a broader range of experiences and identities.
• In what ways has the art historical canon evolved in response to social movements?
  • The art historical canon has evolved significantly in response to various social movements, such as feminism and civil rights. These movements have prompted scholars to reassess which artists are included in the narrative and advocate for representation from diverse backgrounds. As a result, more attention is being given to women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and artists of color, which enriches the understanding of art history by acknowledging a wider array of voices and experiences.
• Evaluate the impact of incorporating feminist perspectives on the understanding of Abstract Expressionism within the art historical canon.
  • Incorporating feminist perspectives on Abstract Expressionism significantly alters its understanding within the art historical canon. It reveals how the movement was often portrayed through a male lens that emphasized aggressive individualism while sidelining female contributions. By critically analyzing the works of women who participated in or responded to this movement, such as Lee Krasner and Joan Mitchell, we gain insights into different artistic expressions that challenge traditional notions of power, authorship, and identity in art.

Related terms

Canon Formation: The process through which certain artworks, artists, or movements are established as significant within the art historical narrative, often influenced by cultural, political, and social factors.

Revisionist Art History: An approach to art history that seeks to re-evaluate and challenge established narratives within the canon by highlighting overlooked or marginalized artists, particularly women and people of color.

Cultural Hegemony: A concept by Antonio Gramsci that refers to the dominance of one social class over others, influencing cultural norms and values, including what is considered 'important' in art history.