What Use Art History? Curatorial Notes
by Ann Rosenberg

WHAT USE ART HISTORY? This question arises inevitably in my two principal occupations--teaching Art History and writing about Art.

The purpose of instruction in the subject is validated if a student, after a brief introduction to Art History, is able to distinguish a Post-impressionist-inspired painting from one influenced specifically by David Hockney. As a critic, my credibility depends on an ability to accurately identify and describe the various influences at play in an artist's work. Both occupations have taught me that almost every piece of art is influenced, even if only in a general kind of way, by what its maker has seen and thought about.

The seven participants in this show have been selected because they created art inspired by models and ideas taken overtly from recent or past Art History. The illustrated wall texts in the show allow viewers to see the sources and read about how and why the references were chosen and re-employed. Despite "borrowing" the pieces in WHAT USE ART HISTORY? are "original" and highly contemporary.

Some refer to comic books and ads. Some utilize image-making techniques that rely on sophisticated computer software, computer-driven equipment, digital cameras and state-of-the-art Inkjet printers. A few offer commentary on current politics and environmental threats. In this way they become their own form of new Art History which will be of use (or at least illuminating) to those who see the work now or in future.  

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