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, with contributions from international scholars in art history, art historiography, and postcolonial studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
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 exploring alternative ways of understanding and interpreting art. Since the 1970s, scholars from various geopolitical locations have developed diverse ideas on how to conduct non-hierarchical art historical analysis, parallel to the political and social movements advocating for greater autonomy and self-determination.

This book is a critical examination of horizontal art history, aimed at provoking a discussion on the original concept and exploring potential methods to extend it. Edited by international scholars who acknowledge the significance of this approach, the book brings together a diverse range of perspectives and approaches. The contributors acknowledge the basic assumptions of horizontal art history, including its emphasis on cross-cultural exchange, interdisciplinarity, and the recognition of the agency of marginalized voices and communities.

While horizontal art history offers numerous advantages, it is also important to recognize its limitations. One of the challenges lies in the difficulty of defining and measuring the scope of horizontal art history, as it encompasses a wide range of artistic traditions and historical periods. Another challenge is the potential for oversimplification or reductionism, as the emphasis on interconnectedness may lead to a flattening of complex artistic processes and cultural contexts.

Despite these challenges, horizontal art history continues to be a vibrant and dynamic field of study. It offers a fresh perspective on art history, one that challenges the traditional hierarchies and power structures that have shaped the discipline for centuries. By exploring the interconnectedness of different artistic traditions, horizontal art history enables us to understand the complex web of cultural influences and exchanges that have shaped the world we live in today.

This book will be of interest to scholars working in art history, art historiography, and postcolonial studies. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the concept of horizontal art history, offering valuable insights into the past, present, and future of art historical analysis.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032030692