The scholarly field of Image or Visual Studies has developed in response to the widespread proliferation of images, both still and moving, in contemporary life. It distinguishes itself from traditional art history by examining visual representations of all types, not only works of high art, and by concentrating on the role those representations play in the formation of culture. Though most of the scholarship produced in this field focuses on the modern world, it depends upon ideas first developed in Mediterranean antiquity. This course has two primary goals. We will conduct an historical examination of practices and theories of image making from Near Eastern antiquity to modernity.

What does globalization mean for contemporary art? And what do we even mean when we use the term? This upper-level seminar course considers recent art (1985-present) in the context of theories of development, postcolonialism, and globalization. We will focus on the tensions between the global and the local, as well what it means for an artist to be national or international. We will also consider the impact of neoliberal economic policies on art production and the art market, as well as role museums play in this international context. Finally, we will consider the Internet and social networks as globalizing influences that affect the production and distribution of contemporary art.

Artists

Concept Designers

Digital Product Designers

Museum Curators

College Counselors

Copywriters

Designers

Professors

Lawyers