Diverse and dynamic, art is integral to the cultural and religious expressions of Asian societies through history.  This course offers an introduction to Asian art from Turkey through Central Asia and India to China and Japan.  It acquaints students with ways of interpreting the art of Asia, focusing on the relationships between art and religion (particularly Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam), art, literature and performance, and the historical relationships between the art of different regions of Asia to underline the creative exchanges and innovations that took place.  

Students will be familiarised with art historical approaches by exploring the notions of art and beauty in Asia, the role of process and materials in creating meaning, patronage, connoisseurship and the hierarchies of art, symbols and iconography, style, narrative traditions, landscape, place and space, gender and identity, exchange and interaction through art and the role of institutions and political contexts in art-making.  

As part of the Art History and Art History and Curatorship program, the course offers preparation in skills applicable to careers in the visual arts and museum and gallery sectors.  It is also suitable for students interested in more advanced subsequent study of specific areas of Asian art and for those studying Asian languages, culture and societies.

No prior knowledge of Asian history or language is expected.

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1.     recognize key attributes of Asian art and use these to identify Asian works of art;

2.     relate art objects and creation to their historical and contemporary milieu;

3.     reflect on and discuss the ways in which meanings are communicated by Asian art;

4.     research, select and combine examples and integrate key textual sources and examples of art works to develop and present, orally and in writing, their own perspectives on Asian art.

John La Plante. Asian Art. Dubuque, IA: William Brown, 1992.

Michael Brand et al. Traditions of Asian Art. Canberra: The Gallery, 1995.

Meher MacArthur. The Arts of Asia: Materials, Techniques, Styles. London: Thames and Hudson, 2005