A 2-day Art History Seminar on the topic “Innovation in Art: Conditions and Processes.” Discussions will center on major innovations in art at various historical moments and in various geographical locations and consider the extent to which interpretations of these innovations has changed since 1989. The goal is to come to a better understanding of the ways in which art historical approaches have been affected by geopolitical changes in the past twenty years and how these changes vary from place to place. We will think about this question on three levels: artists, individual art works, and general criteria. Has the interpretation of what constitutes innovation shifted? Are there artworks that were considered innovative, but are no longer? Have new art works, movements, or artists been promoted to the ranks of the innovative? How is/was innovation defined and perceived? What is the role played by ideological shifts and by other factors (demographic, economic, political)? Who are the key figures in shaping perceptions about innovation today? How do we explain these circumstances?
Workshop Website: innovationinart.blogspot.com