Race-Ing Art History—Critical Readings in Race and Art History

"Race-ing Art History" is the first comprehensive anthology to place issues of racial representation squarely on the canvas. Within these pages are representations of Nubians in ancient art, the great tradition of Western masters such as Manet and Picasso, and contemporary work by lesser known artists of color.
Assembled chronologically, these essays draw upon multiculturalism, postcolonialism, and critical race theory to confront the longstanding tradition of art as a means of looking at "the other." The essays address important questions about racial visibility and racial politics, asking whether modern concepts of race can be imposed upon ancient art, whether there is a link between pictorial realism and Orientalism, and how today's artists and critics can engage our visual culture's inherent racialized dimension.
Richly illustrated, this pioneering volume lays the groundwork for a better understanding of the complex and shifting category of race and its significance in our visual culture and everyday lives. Unmatched in historical scope and presentation, "Race-ing Art History" will be the essential guide to the opportunities and challenges involved in integrating race into the study of art. A discussion guide is available at www.routledge-ny.com/pinderguide. Also includes an 8-page color insert.

Kymberly N. Pinder is Associate Professor of Art History at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.