I’m going to be honest.
Art history is a great field but it can feel like there aren’t many of us art historians in the world. There were only four of us in my master’s graduating class at UC Davis. At our undergraduate commencement we were a blip on the radar compared to other majors. Even so, art history is relevant and important, now more than ever.
I love that art history is constantly evolving and that our understanding of the past continues to change as we learn more. As I’ve learned and grown as an art historian, here are some things I’ve discovered about myself and this field.
As an art historian, you’ll notice a lot more – and inaccuracies about art are even more glaring (and sometimes annoying) once you’ve studied art history. Sorry, The Da Vinci Code.
On the other hand, references to art in pop culture are a lot of fun. For example, I love following fashion trends to see wearable interpretations of artistic themes.
It annoys me whenever people pick on the field of art history. There is plenty that you can do with an art history degree – from museum work to art conservation to education to art law and beyond. Speaking from personal experience, I found the transition to a communications position to be fairly smooth. I’ve also met many folks in this field and other fields who studied art history. Long story short: an art history degree shouldn’t be seen as something that limits you. There are options in this field and ways that it makes you much more well-rounded in other fields too.
When it comes to museums, I personally prefer to visit alone. It’s got nothing to do with noise or not wanting company. I just feel guilty about how long I take in museums.
Writing has become a lot easier! In college, research papers were simply a part of life. If I wasn’t writing them, I was planning them or grading them. My college friends will vouch for me on this one.
I light up whenever someone tells me that they also studied art history or that it’s a subject they enjoy. Art lovers unite!
