Art History is the study of the visual arts in civilization. It
examines changing values in all fields of visual culture,
including painting, sculpture, graphics, photography,
architecture, film, the mass media, and forms of popular
expression. Its interdisciplinary reach encompasses literature,
history, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, gender studies,
critical theory, and cultural studies. Art History emphasizes
visual as well as verbal and written literacy, providing more
than the standard advantages to a liberal arts education.
Students majoring in Art History will engage with the
wide-ranging opportunities its curriculum presents for learning
and research. Studying Art History develops visual
literacy, communication skills, critical/creative thinking and an
understanding of diversity.
On April 8, 2020, the Board of Trustees of the John Simon
Guggenheim Memorial Foundation approved the awarding of Guggenheim Fellowships
to a diverse group of 175 scholars, artists, and writers, among
them Professor Heghnar Watenpaugh.
Listen to alum Katharine Schultz (MA 2019),
Education and Development Associate at the Pence Gallery in
Davis, discuss a few of her favorite works of art now on
display at the Pence. She looks at the beautiful works by
Laurelin Gilmore and Liz Webb, and a whimsical watercolor
painting by Joann Wilson from the Pence’s “Water + Color National
Juried Exhibit”. And kudos to camerawoman Caitlin Schwarz (MA
2019) as well!
When we rest, we harness our power to resist the forces of
society that demand ceaseless labor and productivity. When we
sleep, we enter a realm where our dreams of liberation live, not
yet realized.
