Decolonization of art history is a term used to describe initiatives that seek to recognize and celebrate the diversity of art forms which have been previously excluded from mainstream art historical narratives. In particular, it seeks to promote the inclusion of works of art created by marginalized communities, such as those of color, Indigenous peoples, and other minority groups. This includes the exploration and reevaluation of existing canons and practices in order to make them more inclusive.
This movement comes in response to the long history of Eurocentric bias in the field of art history. This bias has seen works from these communities disregarded or even erased from the narrative of art history.
Often these works were not included in museum collections or exhibitions, nor were they given any attention in scholarly discourse. As a result, there was a lack of recognition for artists from these communities and their contributions to the field were largely ignored or marginalized.
The decolonization movement seeks to redress this imbalance by creating space for more diverse voices within the field of art history. This includes both taking note of artists who have been previously overlooked, as well as highlighting those whose works are still being excluded today. It also involves challenging traditional notions of what constitutes “art” and critically examining how we define what is “beautiful” or “important” in art.
In addition to recognizing those who have been overlooked, decolonization also seeks to create more equitable working conditions for artists from marginalized backgrounds. This includes advocating for better representation within arts institutions, such as museums and galleries, as well as providing greater access to resources such as funding and scholarships. It also involves challenging discriminatory practices that have hindered access for certain artists into these spaces.
Decolonization is an ongoing process that requires commitment from all stakeholders involved in producing, teaching and preserving art history. It is an important step towards ensuring that all voices are represented within this field and that everyone can benefit from its discoveries and insights into human creativity.
Conclusion: What Is Decolonization Of Art History? Decolonization is an ongoing process aimed at recognizing and celebrating diverse voices in art history through challenging existing canons, creating equitable working conditions for artists from marginalized backgrounds, and advocating for greater representation within arts institutions.