ARTH 401 - Seminar - Cultural Appropriation in a Postcolonial Context

Cultural Appropriation in a Postcolonial Context: This seminar examines the work of artists and designers, in both Europe and the US, who strategically and knowingly made direct cultural appropriations from African, Middle Eastern, ancient American and Asian traditions. Modern art was profoundly shaped by a system of beliefs projected onto other cultures, via material objects. Through close study of select artists and case studies from the visual culture of colonialism, we study the relationship between art and imperialism, and the role of visual representation in shaping constructions of exoticism, race, and sexuality. Readings will introduce students to the various methodologies that art historians, anthropologists, and postcolonial theorists have used to unpack the complex political issues surrounding cultural appropriation. We also consider the work of several contemporary artists raising critical questions about the legacies of colonialism.

Prerequisites
Senior History of Art Majors and other qualified students by Permission of Instructor

Credits 1