As an art history, my interactions with strangers usually consist of questions like...
1. What are you going to do with Art History?
2. Do you just look at pictures?
3. What are you going to do after graduation?
So it is time to debunk some of these myths!
1. Art History is an irrelevant major
Art is an important aspect of every culture. Art reflects the history of the time, along with the values of the society it was created in. In addition, art often reflects the artist’s personal values, opinions, and ideas about the time and place he/she created the art in. Art also provides us a view into things like costume and scientific theories of the time, as well as the science of the actual art (what paint was used? How did the sculptor do this and this with said materials?).
2. Art History majors can’t find jobs.
This is one I get a lot. Many of my fellow students, friends, even family members, think that my major is a black hole of failure when it comes to finding successful jobs. This is extremely false. Below are just a few careers that are accessible!
Curator
Professor/Teacher of Art History
Art buyer-- purchasing works for people and companies, working within their budget and taste.
Collections manager
Work at an auction house-- appraisal of value, authenticity, etc.
Art conservator-- assessing and repairing works with various levels of damage
Art writer/critic
Art researcher-- pursuing ideas and theories about works and publishing papers on said research
Archivist-- working within a museum or collection’s works
And the list goes on and on...
3. Art History majors are shallow art snobs.
So false! If you don’t know Ligon from Lichtenstein, I will not write you off, I promise! As an Art History major I’m schooled in basic science, theories, ways of thinking, and historical and contemporary politics, as well as religion, symbolism, the use of language, etc…a jack of all trades, you might say. I’m also a human being with interests outside of my major, like television shows, the news, politics, etc....
I can, and will, talk about almost anything.
Art History majors are really passionate about their studies, but the same goes for other majors as well. Also, we don’t discriminate against the art-illiterate. Never. Don’t feel “dumb" for not understanding my love for African-American art.
4. Most Art History majors are generally from wealthier families where “less useful” majors are okay to spend money on or the Art History degree is code for the “MRS” degree
This is a big one. People automatically assume that my parents make bank because I’m an Art History major, as a result of the stereotypes attached to it that it’s useless and for more financially secured people.
We come from all different backgrounds. Some of us are from well-off families, some of us not.
When women went to college to get their BA in MRS, Art History was pretty popular, but just until Mr. Right. This has changed. Art History is not just for the passive or for the wealthy. Like any other major, it is something that people find important in our society.
5. All we ever do is stare aimlessly at pictures.
Asides from looking at pictures we go on to analysis research papers, study other histories, research-proven art theories in regard to a well-rounded understanding of art.
6. We’re all women.
You’d be surprised at how many guys actively argue the understanding of Richard Serra's work!
Along with that, women do have more Art History degrees than men. However, for whatever reason, men still hold some of the best art positions at prestigious museums and universities!
