Art History 300AF - Seminar: 'Curating African and African American Art: Up from the Basement and into the Collection'

This seminar explores the social, cultural, racial and political elements that refract in the process of curating modern and contemporary African and African American art. Prescribed methodologies have applied a one-size-fits-all approach, flattening the intentions of makers and depriving us all of cultural enrichment. Only informed, respectful curatorial strategies can break down institutional boundaries and historically slanted perceptions of African and African American art. We will examine instances of sensitive stewarding, considerate contextualization, and accessioning and placement of contemporary African and African American works, with occasional comparative forays into curatorial approaches to Euro-American art.

This course is open to juniors and seniors; Prereq: 4 credits in Art History, Africana Studies, History, or the Museums, Archives, and Public History Nexus.