Art History

Join the Art History Association for an enlightening event about the power of imagery to bring about political and societal change! We are very proud to kick off our Lecture Series on Art and Activism with a virtual talk by Dr. Miriam Basilio, Associate Professor of Art History and Museum Studies at New York University, on Thursday, September 25th at 7 PM.

Dr. Basilio's virtual presentation, "Fighting Fascism: Art for the Masses During the Spanish Civil War," will discuss how visual culture, fine arts, and exhibitions intersected during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) as part of a highly complex matrix of propaganda that sought to define and mobilize a nation torn apart by war.

The Spanish Civil War began on July 18, 1936, when a group of right-wing generals (known as Nationalists) rose up in arms against the democratically-elected left-wing Popular Front Republican government. Questions of national identity and historical memory were at the forefront of key propaganda campaigns elaborated by political factions within the Republican government’s coalition of political parties and trade unions. In the midst of a civil war, artists and graphic designers saw themselves as contributing to the war against fascism as they produced propaganda posters pasted on city walls, many reproduced as postcards sent to and from the fronts, and political cartoons published in newspapers and illustrated magazines. Spanish art historical icons, national symbols old and new, and propaganda produced abroad were inspirations for artists producing posters and paintings, among them Pablo Picasso’s Guernica (1937). Tangible elements of the nation’s past –cultural property and art historical icons – were displayed in temporary exhibitions and museums and reproduced in posters and print media to rally the population, define national identity, and re-invent past and recent history.

All are welcome to participate in this event, so we invite you to share the invitation widely with your students and all members of our greater New Paltz community.

AI-generated closed captioning will be provided. Please contact Art History Chair, Keely Heuer, at heuerk@newpaltz.edu or at (845) 257-3829 regarding other accommodations.

Welcome Back Students—Come to a Networking Soirée, hosted by the Department of Art History. Business casual dress is encouraged.

This is Art History's third Soirée, happening on Thursday, September 18th at 6:30 PM.

This year, Art History students will meet at 6:30 PM in Smiley Art Building, Room 118A, for some remarks from Department Chair, Professor Keely Heuer.

Then at 7:00 PM the students will walk to the McKenna (College Theatre) Patio to join our guests for a Reception.

We've invited members of the local arts community, Art History alumnx, and faculty and campus staff from a variety of disciplines and administrative offices to join us. They want to afford our students a rare opportunity to engage in the kinds of conversations they'll certainly have going forward. Practicing networking now can build skills to spark meaningful professional relationships and expand connections in the real world later!

Remember, business casual dress is encouraged.

For any accessibility questions or necessary accommodations, please contact Department Chair, Keely Heuer, at (845) 257-3829 or heuerk@newpaltz.edu.