ARTH 022. Art, Colonialism, and Decolonization

This class examines the relationship between art and colonialism. It begins by examining how the practices of artists and collectors reinforced European colonialism around the globe in the early-modern and modern periods (17^th- 20^th centuries). Rather than survey artists and artworks from a single place or time, we will employ paradigmatic case studies from around the globe to think about the role of art in colonization from a variety of methodological viewpoints. By pairing the study of historical artworks and cultural practices with seminal texts from the field of post-colonial studies, the course will provide students with the visual literacy and theoretical vocabulary necessary to understand artworks in light of their discreet religious, political and social contexts. In the second half of the semester, we will analyze art's role in decolonization, studying both historical and contemporary examples of artists, artworks, and cultural practices that have, either explicitly or implicitly, aided in the process of decolonization.
Humanities.
1 credit.
Fall 2023. Staff.
Catalog chapter: Art and Art History: Art History
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/art

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