Art world canon

Definition

The art world canon refers to the body of artworks and artists that are widely recognized and valued as significant within the cultural and historical narrative of art. This canon often influences which artists are celebrated, which movements are acknowledged, and what works are deemed essential for study and appreciation. The construction of the canon can reflect societal values, biases, and trends, shaping the way art history is taught and understood.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The art world canon has historically favored Western artists and movements, often sidelining non-Western art forms and contemporary outsider artists.
2. Changes in societal values, such as the rise of feminism and multiculturalism, have led to re-evaluations of the art world canon to include a more diverse range of voices.
3. The canon is not static; it evolves over time as new art forms emerge and new interpretations of existing works are developed.
4. Artists outside the traditional education systems often struggle for recognition within the canon due to lack of institutional support.
5. Debates about what constitutes 'great art' frequently arise when discussing the boundaries of the art world canon, illustrating differing opinions on artistic merit.

Review Questions

• How does the art world canon shape our understanding of artistic significance?
  • The art world canon shapes our understanding by establishing a framework through which certain artists and movements are highlighted while others are ignored. This selective recognition influences educational curricula, museum exhibitions, and public discourse about art. Consequently, it can perpetuate biases related to race, gender, and socioeconomic status, making it crucial to critically assess what is included in or excluded from this canon.
• In what ways have contemporary movements challenged the traditional art world canon?
  • Contemporary movements have challenged the traditional art world canon by advocating for greater representation of marginalized artists and diverse artistic practices. This includes addressing historical biases that favor Western-centric narratives and promoting voices from various cultural backgrounds. Institutional critiques have emerged as part of this challenge, questioning how power dynamics within galleries and museums affect which artworks gain prominence in the canon.
• Evaluate the impact of societal changes on the evolution of the art world canon over time.
  • Societal changes significantly impact the evolution of the art world canon by reshaping cultural values and perceptions about what is considered important in art. Movements such as feminism, civil rights, and postcolonialism have led to a reevaluation of who is represented in the canon, expanding it to include a broader range of perspectives. As public interest grows in issues like social justice and representation, previously overlooked artists are gaining recognition, ultimately transforming the narrative surrounding art history.

Related terms

Cultural Hegemony: The dominance of a particular set of ideas, values, or practices within a culture, often influencing the perception of what is considered 'normal' or 'valuable' in the art world.

Institutional Critique: An approach in contemporary art that critiques the institutions that shape the art world, including museums, galleries, and the market, often questioning who gets represented in the canon.

Postcolonial Theory: A framework that analyzes the effects of colonialism on cultures and societies, often highlighting how marginalized voices challenge traditional narratives in the art world canon.