WE BELIEVE THAT ART HISTORY INSPIRES PEOPLE TO THINK DIFFERENTLY AND SEE DIFFERENTLY
Art history is the study of art across the globe, from the ancient world to the present day. Through it we pose questions about the making, meaning and impact of art, such as: why, when and how was it made, and by whom? What might have been its intended reception, and how, in fact, was it received. How has that reception changed over time?
“It is a way to see what people thought, felt, believed, did, and imagined, by looking at the material things – buildings, paintings, gardens, sculptures, images, cities, objects – and the worlds that they made.”
– Griselda Pollock
Art history helps us examine our histories and can actively shape how we understand what we see around us now. It gives us the skills and tools to interpret and connect to our visual world and enhances our ability to analyse, question and critically engage with issues confronting society and individuals.
“[A] study of works of art can help us to understand more about our physiological and psychological make-up, our response to political, social and economic pressures, our reaction to religion, philosophy and literature and our relationship to the natural environment.”
– John Onians
Art history is both reflection and transformation, because if you can read the world around you, you can change the world around you. This is why we believe that art history is so vital today.
