In this course, you will examine the wide variety of material objects produced and consumed by people around the world. These objects are not only considered as “beautiful works of art” but play a crucial role in societies, including religious, economic and political roles. By defining ‘art’ as a social process, we will analyze these objects from diverse dimensions. Some of the questions that we will examine are; How were Anthropologists’ notion of ‘art’ influenced by particular historical processes, such as the emergence of colonialism, nationalism and the belief in scientific objectivities? Why are some objects successfully marketed as ‘art’ while others keep their ‘non-artistic’ status? What is the political dimension of collecting art/objects?
- Teacher: Kanae Omura