Global Objects

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The established narrative of art history is often framed through national or cultural lenses, emphasizing specific artistic practices tied to particular nations, such as bronze in ancient China or oil painting in early modern Europe. This perspective aligns with a modern Western view that categorizes art as fine arts, dismissing other works as mere craft or functional objects. Consequently, the field has become fragmented and hierarchical, with biases becoming standardized. This book challenges these hierarchies and the notion of singular artistic centers with linear narratives. Author Ned Cooke, a leading scholar in material culture within art history, adopts a thematic approach to interconnected histories and critiques the traditional definition of art that privileges certain production modes. He focuses on everyday materials—fiber, clay, wood, and metal—and the decorative arts, presenting them as vital components of a more inclusive visual culture. By examining the conception, production, circulation, and social life of objects across time and geography, Cooke cultivates a global perspective on culture, highlighting the fluidity of initiative, emulation, adaptation, and innovation. This work transcends traditional binaries, offering a radical, non-normative framework for understanding a connected world art history.