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ARt HISTORY

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Learning Journal Unit 6

Art has gone through a significant evolution from being under the control of the Royal Academy
in France and its British counterpart to today's diverse and democratic art world. These
institutions played a crucial role in setting the standards of taste and style in art by providing
education and support to artists (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, n.d.). From the mid-1600s to
the 1800s, they had the authority to dictate the prevailing styles and themes in art.

The contemporary art world operates decentralized and democratized when it comes to creating,
disseminating, and evaluating art. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, modernism came into
being and challenged the academies' authority. Artists wanted to escape traditional forms and
subjects and explore new styles and themes. This diversification of artistic expression was
influenced by external sources such as Japanese art, which is evident in the Japonisme movement
(Ives, 2004). Artists like Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt incorporated elements of Japanese
aesthetics into their work, demonstrating a departure from the academy's standards and
embracing more diverse sources of inspiration.

Today, the sources of influence and authority in the art world are manifold. The rise of the
internet and social media has democratized access to art, allowing artists to share their work with
a global audience without the need for traditional gatekeepers such as galleries and academies.
Online platforms and social media channels have become significant venues for discovering and
promoting art, enabling artists to build their followings and engage directly with their audience.
Furthermore, contemporary art is characterized by its pluralism, with no single style or aesthetic
dominating the scene. This diversity reflects the wide range of influences that inform artists'
work, from popular culture and political movements to personal identity and environmental
concerns.

While the art world today is more democratized, there are still institutions and authorities whose
opinions are highly respected. Major museums, galleries, art critics, and prestigious art fairs play
crucial roles in shaping artistic trends and tastes. These entities can elevate certain artists and
styles through exhibitions, acquisitions, and coverage, influencing the market and public
perception. However, their authority is counterbalanced by the broader accessibility and
participatory nature of art appreciation and critique facilitated by digital platforms.

In conclusion, the determination of artistic styles and tastes has undergone a significant
transformation from the centralized control of the Royal Academies to a more dispersed and
democratic landscape. While there are still respected authorities and institutions within the art
world, the barriers to entry for artists have lowered, and the sources of influence have diversified.
This shift has led to a richer and more varied artistic environment, where the interplay between
traditional institutions and new platforms continues to shape the evolution of art.
References:

Ives, C. (2004). Japonisme. In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan
Museum of Art. Retrieved from http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jpon/hd_jpon.htm

The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (n.d.). The Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. In
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved
from https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jpon/hd_jpon.htm

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