ART HISTORY VISUAL CULTURE

Abstract

Art History and Visual Culture have been the subject of vigorous debate in recent years. Both are the focus of dedicated journals, publishers' lists, conferences and courses. The introduction explores the relationship between the two: are art history and visual studies distinct, antagonistic, or complementary enterprises? Is visual studies a dangerous supplement that, while it can add to art history, also poses the profound threat of its displacement? Or is it simply another ‘critical term’ to be inserted into art history's wider field?