Welcome to the very first episode of Forgotten Art History, a podcast that explores the stories, subjects, and ideas in art history that often get left behind.

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most important—and debated—concepts in the field: the art historical canon. What does it mean for a work of art to be considered “canonical”? Who gets to decide? And how has Western dominance, shaped by imperialism and colonization, influenced which artists and cultures are remembered, and which are left out?

By the end, you’ll see how the canon isn’t fixed—it’s constantly shifting and shaped by power, culture, and critical voices. And more importantly, you’ll understand why art history should be a story about all of us, not just some of us.

Don't forget to follow Accessible Art History on Instagram, @accessible.art.history for all updates on the show and a ton of other art history content!

Sources:

https://smarthistory.org/world-art-history/

https://arthistoriography.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/langfeld.pdf

https://framerframed.nl/en/blog/symposium-in-the-wake-of-the-global-turn-propositions-for-an-exploded-art-history-without-borders/

https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/artlas/vol6/iss1/5/

https://jameselkins.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/globalism-art-seminar.pdf

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