In our age of mass communication, how can we make sense of artworks and images in all their physical and temporal forms? As the academic study of visual culture, art history can contribute significantly to this quest. It does so by concerning itself with art in the classical sense (such as paintings and sculptures) and by exploring ubiquitous and ephemeral images - images of the everyday; of news, of entertainment, of popular culture, of science and technology.

The Art History programme at SVA provides students with the opportunity to explore the visual arts in different time spans, contexts and cultures. The practice of art today is indispensable from art theory. It is essential that today’s emerging artists and designers are erudite and well informed. Through a deeper understanding of the historic precedents of their field, students are able to critique their own practice. Our department promotes independent research, which we hope will contribute to a more pronounced status of art history in Pakistani academia. Visiting and permanent faculty from abroad also bring an international perspective to the programme. Lectures and seminars in the foundation year lay the basis for differentiated ways of approaching, analyzing and interpreting art. During the post-foundation programme, fine art and design students continue to study theory at a more advanced level in a variety of elective courses. The programme also offers excursions and field trips in Lahore and elsewhere in Pakistan, so that works of art can be experienced and discussed at first hand.

Art History is a serious and worthy area of scholarship. In a world increasingly concerned with quotas, profits and blind self-righteousness, the study of the arts and humanities is all the more necessary. Walter Benjamin’s opening pronouncement is useful for understanding that there can be no future without the past. History of Art can help us discover our origins, our traditions; what we might have been in the past in a different place and circumstance, and what it means to be living in our times.

CAREER PATHS

Art Historian, Art Critic, Art Journalist, Curator, Art Dealer, Picture Researcher.

Fields: Academia, Arts Administration, Museum and Gallery Management, Publishing, Art Education, Heritage and Tourism Management, producing catalogues, working for Radio and TV.