Horizontal Art History and Beyond: Revising Peripheral Critical Practices

This book explores the concept of horizontal art history, a paradigm shift proposed by Piotr Piotrowski to challenge the hegemony of Western art history. It examines the original concept and methods to extend it, and is written by international scholars who acknowledge its importance and limitations. It will be of interest to scholars in art history, art historiography, and postcolonial studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Horizontal art history is a groundbreaking proposal formulated by the renowned Polish art historian Piotr Piotrowski (1952-2015) that seeks to challenge and undermine the dominant discourse of art history established in the Western world. This innovative approach to art historical analysis proposes a shift towards a non-hierarchical framework, one that recognizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of different artistic traditions across time and space.

Horizontal art history has its roots in the broader context of the ongoing process of decolonization, which has brought about a renewed interest in alternative modes of knowledge production and understanding. Since the 1970s, scholars from various geopolitical locations have been exploring and developing non-hierarchical art historical analysis, seeking to challenge the Eurocentric narratives that have dominated the field.

This book is a critical examination of horizontal art history, exploring its original concept and potential methods for extension. Edited by international scholars who acknowledge the significance of this approach, the book aims to provoke a discussion on the merits and limitations of horizontal art history. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars working in art history, art historiography, and postcolonial studies, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field and its potential applications.

Horizontal art history offers several advantages over traditional art historical approaches. Firstly, it challenges the notion of art history as a linear and hierarchical narrative, instead emphasizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of different artistic traditions. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of art history, as it recognizes the contributions of marginalized and underrepresented cultures and artistic practices.

Secondly, horizontal art history promotes a more inclusive and diverse approach to art historical analysis. By transcending national and cultural boundaries, it enables scholars to explore the complex relationships and exchanges between different artistic traditions, shedding light on the ways in which they have influenced and shaped each other. This approach also challenges the notion of art history as a Western-centric discipline, recognizing the importance of other cultural perspectives and methodologies.

However, horizontal art history also faces certain limitations. One of the challenges is the difficulty in defining and measuring the scope of horizontal art history. While the concept of interconnectedness is intuitively appealing, it can be challenging to operationalize and apply in a rigorous and systematic manner. Additionally, horizontal art history may struggle to provide a clear and coherent narrative that captures the complexity and diversity of artistic traditions across time and space.

To address these limitations, the book proposes several methods for extending horizontal art history. These include the use of digital technologies and new methodologies such as network analysis and cultural mapping to explore the complex relationships and networks between different artistic traditions. The book also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, as it allows scholars from different fields to bring their unique perspectives and methodologies to bear on the study of art history.

In conclusion, horizontal art history is a groundbreaking proposal that seeks to challenge and undermine the dominant discourse of art history established in the Western world. By promoting a non-hierarchical framework and emphasizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of different artistic traditions, horizontal art history offers a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of art history. While it faces certain limitations, the book proposes methods for extending the concept and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration to further explore its potential. As the field continues to evolve, horizontal art history will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in shaping our understanding of art and its historical significance.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032030678