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80 Brilliant Art Research Paper Topics & Ideas

Art research paper topics

Art is a course of study that requires both interest and passion. While a lot of things might interest you in art, artists mostly focus on specific aspects. Therefore, when choosing art research topics for your next paper writing, it would be best to choose a topic you are interested in. This piece contains 80 random topics in art you can consider.

  • How Long is a Thesis Statement, and Where Should it Be?

Art Thesis Ideas on Ancient Civilization

Art topics to write about artist biographies, art argumentative essay topics ideas, interesting art topics on modern art, best architectural and fine art topics for research, compelling renaissance essay topics about art, theater art topics for research paper, final words about art topics, art history research paper topics.

Art is an age-long institution that has a lot of historical background. There are topics in the art that can serve as your art history paper topics. The following are the 10 best art history research paper topics to consider;

  • Comparing artistic freedom and censorship in Nazi Germany.
  • History of Art: From the canvas age to photography.
  • Research of medieval England Gothic art.
  • Abstract Expressionism history in Art.
  • History of Expressionism in Western Europe.
  • Historical research on neoclassical art.
  • Historical review of art propaganda in America and France.
  • Historical overview of sequential art of comics.
  • Historical and intellectual overview of art and culture.
  • The history of constructivism and the birth of the Avant-Garde.

Civilizations in ancient times were essentially artistic civilizations. You can write appealing research papers on art and ancient civilization. The following are good ancient civilization art topics for research papers;

  • The ancient Egyptian arts and symbolism.
  • Classical Greek art and ancient Greek sculptures.
  • Comparing art civilization in classical Greece and ancient Rome.
  • Mayan civilization and its impact on ancient art and culture.
  • Primeval musical instruments in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
  • What are the connections between Mayan pyramids and Egyptian pyramids?
  • The influence of Incas in modern art.
  • Aztec art and the influence of religion and culture on it.
  • Writing as a form of art civilization.
  • The roles of Chinese philosophy and religion in Chinese ancient art.

Writing an art research paper on the biographies of different artists is a good consideration for an artist research project. There are countless artist biographies and art history essay topics to write on. Here are the 10 best art research paper topics on artists’ biographies;

  • Biography of William Blake: His art and poetry work.
  • The efforts of Francisco De Goya in using art to change the world.
  • The impacts and contributions of Madame Tussaud in the arts.
  • Biographies of William Turner featuring his Career and Life.
  • The impacts of Eugène Delacroix in the introduction of modern art.
  • Vincent Van Gogh and the misunderstanding that surrounds his career.
  • Gustav Klimt was the master of symbolism.
  • Biography of Pablo Picasso, the father of cubism.
  • Claude Monet: His impact on art and the vision of colors and light.
  • Louise Bourgeois’s revolutionary moves on installation art and abstract sculpture.

Art is such an intriguing concept that may result in a lot of questioning. You can write an argumentative essay or research paper on art to give answers to some of the questions. The following are art research paper topics for good argumentative artist research paper;

  • The Baroque movement’s color and sensuality are extreme in art.
  • The art of manliness in the baroque period.
  • Does impressionism change the basic ideas of art?
  • Evaluating the definition of nature through the eyes of Manet and Monet.
  • Argumentative Essay on romanticism in literature, music, and art.
  • Romanticism era in art and the concept of imagination, sublime, and emotion.
  • The best style of post-impressionism in art.
  • Arguing on the artist with the most contribution to the post-impressionism movement.
  • Pablo Picasso’s art is influenced by ancient African art.
  • Does surrealism have more good than bad in art and literature?

Modern Art is a style of art prominent in the digital age. Rather than write on conventional art, there are modern art topics to write about. The following are good art research paper examples to write on modern art;

  • The unique styles of modern art distinguish it from conventional art.
  • The elements of light and time in cubism and impressionism.
  • Digital art and its impact on modern art.
  • Is Graffiti art or vandalism?
  • The mystery of Banksy in urban street arts.
  • Evaluating Gustav Klimt’s electrifying art ‘The Kiss’.
  • Does modern European art have any influence on American artists?
  • Japanese art and its influence on Vincent Van Gogh’s arts.
  • The 21st-century printmaking and its impact on the digital world.
  • What are the contemporary themes driving the art and feminism movement?

Architectural designs can be traced to modern art. There are art topics that should be considered by students who study architecture. The following are art topics for students in the architecture course of study;

  • Modern architectural designs and the influence of Roman arts.
  • Key elements of the iconic styles of Gothic architecture.
  • Rococo architecture has characteristics of late Baroque architecture.
  • African architecture and its sustainability system.
  • Constructivism in modern art and architecture.
  • Comparison of the two modern arts; Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
  • The mystery behind the construction of ancient Egyptian pyramids.
  • Western architecture and the influence of eastern arts.
  • The union of architecture and art in contemporary design.
  • Western art and the influence of Islamic architecture.

Renaissance topics for art are a good consideration for an art research paper. This aspect of art evaluates the immorality of artistic designs. Here are the top 10 topics to consider;

  • Renaissance art: What are the roles of humanism and naturalism?
  • The influence of Leonard Da Vinci on Renaissance art.
  • Raphael’s paintings and the transcendent influence.
  • What is religious symbolism in renaissance art?
  • Michelangelo’s David is an icon of Italian renaissance art.
  • Michelangelo’s immortal masterpiece and the Sistine Chapel.
  • How the Harlem Renaissance drove social changes through art.
  • The unity of music and art in renaissance art.
  • Renaissance art and culture and the influence of science on them.
  • The mythology and the realism of Botticelli’s art, ‘The Birth Of Venus’.

Theater art is a special aspect of art. There are art history thesis ideas that prove theater art is contemporary art and not modern. Meanwhile, you can equally consider writing on the following theater art essay topics;

  • The Greek theater and its history.
  • Does ancient Greek theater have any influence on modern theater?
  • Theater and its cultural evolution.
  • Evaluating the contributions of William Shakespeare in drama and theater Art.
  • The difference between modern theater and Elizabethan.
  • What role does music play in the theater?
  • What are expression and improvisation in the theater?
  • The history of Broadway.
  • Theatre of the absurd and Samuel Beckett.
  • Theater’s effectiveness in causing social and cultural changes.

Art is a broad course of study with different aspects. Writing an art research paper requires that you consider your area of interest before choosing your art research paper topic. Above are the top 80 Art research paper topics and ideas to write about.

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250+ Research Paper Topics for Art Lovers and Curious Minds

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Table of contents

  • 1 Argumentative Art Topics for Research Papers
  • 2 Fun Art Research Ideas for Professional Writers
  • 3 Controversial Art Research Topics
  • 4 Gendered Roles in Modern Art Research
  • 5 Art Topics for Research Papers: The Impacts of Technology
  • 6.1 Themes in 21st Century Paintings
  • 7 Ancient Art History Research Paper Topics
  • 8 Art Research Topics on Different Cultures
  • 9 Greek Art Research Paper Topics
  • 10 Art Topics during the Byzantine Period
  • 11 Medieval Art History Research Paper Topics
  • 12 Renaissance Paper Topics
  • 13 Research Paper Topics on the Baroque Era
  • 14 The Impressionist Artistic Movement
  • 15 The Modern Art Talk about Romanticism
  • 16 The Art Influence of Mannerism
  • 17 The Post-impressionist Art Movement
  • 18 Surrealism in Art History
  • 19 The Highlights of Cubism
  • 20 The Avant-garde Art Topics
  • 21 The Expressionist Art Movement
  • 22 Topics on Dadaism
  • 23 Pop Art Debate Topics
  • 24 Art Education Research Topics in the 16th Century
  • 25 Cool Art Ideas during the 17th Century
  • 26 Research Papers on Art Produced during the 18th Century
  • 27 The 19th Century Artistic Styles
  • 28 The 20th Century’s Artistic Characteristics
  • 29 Contemporary Art History Topics
  • 30 Mexican Revolutionary Art Research Paper Topics
  • 31 Architecture Research Paper Topics
  • 32 Theater Research Paper Ideas
  • 33 The Study of Photography as Research about Art
  • 34.1 Art Topics Ideas Base on the Artists of the 18th Century
  • 34.2 Artists of the 19th Century

Art has been a significant aspect of human civilization for centuries. From the earliest cave paintings to modern-day installations, art has served as a means of expression and communication. The study of art encompasses a broad range of disciplines, including art history, aesthetics, philosophy, sociology, and psychology. As such, the best controversial research paper topics within the field of art can be explored. This article aims to provide a comprehensive list of 250+ art topics covering various aspects of the discipline, including famous artists and artworks, art movements, theories and concepts, and social and political influences. These topics intend to inspire students and researchers before even choosing their favorite paper writing service and delving deeper into the complex world of art.

Argumentative Art Topics for Research Papers

Art has always been a recurring topic of debate, with different interpretations and perspectives on what it represents and its hidden meanings. From discussions on censorship and freedom of expression to art’s political implications, explore other possibilities in art.

  • Write a Critical Analysis of Censorship Issues and How They Can Limit Artistic Freedom.
  • Argue for or against Using Public Funds to Support Art and Institutions.
  • Discuss the Ethical Considerations Surrounding the Cultural Appropriation of Symbolisms.
  • Delimitate the Boundaries of the Tension between Art Commercialization and Artistic Expression’s Authenticity.
  • Study How the Relationship between Art and Identity Is Explored and How It Can Shape and Express Individual and Collective Identities.

Fun Art Research Ideas for Professional Writers

Even the most skilled professionals need help developing fresh inspiration for art-related topics and finding  research paper writing help . With this list, we want to inspire writers to explore new horizons, from unconventional art mediums to unusual artists.

  • Graffiti Art: Exploring Its Significance and Evolution as a Legitimate Artistic Expression.
  • The Impact of Street Photography and How Does It Capture the Essence of Modern Life.
  • How Have Album Covers Influenced Popular Culture, and How Do They Reflect the Artistic Vision of Musicians and Artists?
  • Analyzing the History and Wonders of Asian Art and Animation and Its Impact on Popular Culture.
  • Find Out How Indigenous Art Explores Its Diverse Forms and How It Reflects on the Culture of Their Communities.

Controversial Art Research Topics

Art has always been polarizing, sparking debates on various issues. Whether you’re an art student or an enthusiast, you’ll find excellent history research paper topics on this list.

  • Examining the Limits of Expression through the Lenses of Artistic Freedom.
  • The Power and Perils of Art Representing Marginalized Communities.
  • What Responsibilities Do Collectors Have When Collecting Debatable Pieces?
  • Reckoning with the past and the Controversial Legacy of Colonial Art.
  • How Do Artists Navigate Appropriation through the Problematic Nature of Artistic Inspiration?
  • Write an Argumentative Essay About the Use of Religious Imagery: Is It Blasphemy or Legitimate Creative Expression?
  • Censorship: Protecting Public Morals or Inhibiting Creativity?

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Gendered Roles in Modern Art Research

Historically male dominance in art has resulted in a limited representation of women. Few female artists are recognized for their contributions, bringing discussions on gendered roles in modern art to the forefront. Check out some fine arts research paper topics.

  • Explore the Works of Frida Kahlo and Unravel Gendered Representations in Modern Art.
  • The Impact on the Evolution of Feminist Art Generated by Tracey Emin’s Work.
  • Research Marina Abramovic’s Pieces and Learn How She Pushed Boundaries on Gender and Performance Art.
  • How to See beyond the Male Gaze through John Berger’s “Ways of Seeing” While Critiquing the Objectification of Fine Art.
  • The Art of Challenging Conventional Female Roles by Agnes Martin.
  • Take an in Depth Look at Cindy Sherman’s Gender and Identity Exploration in Contemporary Art.
  • Defying Conservative Norms and Embracing the Body – The Visual Art of Kiki Smith.
  • Learn More about the Rise of Women Artists in Modern Art Following the Artworks of Yayoi Kusama.

Art Topics for Research Papers: The Impacts of Technology

Technology has opened up several possibilities, from digital media and virtual reality installations to 3D printing, computer-generated imagery, or even an essay writing service . Look at some of the most interesting art topics that explore this relationship.

  • Examine How Technology Has Enabled New Forms of Artistic Expression through Digital Art.
  • Art Democratization: How Technology Has Made It Easier for Artists to Reach Wider Audiences.
  • The Transformation of Experience and Interaction with Modern World Art through AR Technology.
  • AI and New Art Forms: Potential to Challenge Traditional Notions of Creativity.
  • Explore How New Social Media Platforms Have Transformed the Ways We Consume Art.
  • How Can Digital Technology Preserve and Restore Deteriorating Works of True Art?

Interesting Modern and Contemporary Art Topics

From abstract Expressionism to Pop Art, contemporary artists have explored many creative avenues, resulting in thought-provoking works that challenge traditional notions of art. Check out some ideas for those who want to buy research papers about different epochs in Modern Art.

  • Kandinsky, Pollock, and Rothko Pave the Path with the Force of Chaos and Calm.
  • Artists like Banksy, Kruger and Weiwei Boldly Show Us How to Discuss Today’s Issues.
  • Understand How Fairey, Botero, and Holzer Revolutionize the World through Art.
  • Find Out Where Creativity Meets Technology with Arcangel, Utterback, and Lozano-Hemmer.
  • Fashion and Art Become the Perfect Pairing: Warhol, Dali, and Haring Meet Saint Laurent, Schiaparelli, and Scott.
  • Shattering Stereotypes – Chicago, Sherman, and Ono Challenge the Status Quo.
  • Richter, Hirst, and Walker Demonstrate the Ongoing Relevance of Modern Art.

Themes in 21st Century Paintings

  • Explore beyond the Representation of Identity in Kerry James Marshall’s “Untitled (Studio)” and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye’s “Mascara.”
  • Use the Landscapes of David Hockney and Anselm Kiefer’s “The Field” to Reflect on Environmental Consciousness.
  • Analyze the Works of Yinka Shonibare Mbe and Kara Walker’s “A Subtlety.” to Understand Global Visions and Cultural Exchange.
  • Politics Occur in Street Art, Becoming Activism in Banksy’s Art and AI Weiwei’s “Sunflower Seeds.”
  • Memory, Nostalgia, and Figurative Painting in the Works of Elizabeth Peyton and Lisa Yuskavage’s “Night.”
  • “Untitled” by Cecily Brown and the Works of Gerhard Richter: Abstraction and Emotion.
  • Technology in Contemporary Painting with Jenny Saville’s “Ancestors” and Stelarc’s “Third Hand.”
  • Transcribed Gender and Sexuality in the Works of Nicole Eisenman’s “Procession” and John Currin’s “The Women of Franklin Street.”

Ancient Art History Research Paper Topics

The art of early civilizations is a testament to these societies’ creativity and cultural significance. Check out the best art topics for those interested in Ancient Rome, Mayan Culture, and African art.

  • Explore the Development of Primordial Egyptian Art and Its Impact on Later Art Forms.
  • The Significance of Art in Mesopotamian Civilization.
  • Explore the Relevance of Ancient Chinese Art and Its Influence on the Following Centuries.
  • Analyze the Evolution of Artworks in Old India and Their Relationship with Religion and Culture.
  • The Role of Art in Mayan Society and Its Significance in Their Spirituality and Habits.
  • The Development of Art in Mesoamerican Civilizations and Its Impact on Later Art Forms.
  • Analyze the Symbolism of Motifs in Ancient Art and Its Historical Context.

Art Research Topics on Different Cultures

Each culture has unique artistic expressions that reflect its history and social norms. By delving into the art of various cultures, we can gain insights into how art shapes and reflects human experiences and choose exciting art history research topics.

  • What Is the Role of Family and Community in Maori Art?
  • The Tradition of African Art and Mask Making and Its Role in Identity Formation.
  • Understanding the Symbolism and Meaning in Traditional Indian Textiles through the Colors of Culture.
  • The Evolution of Japanese Woodblock Prints from Edo to Meiji Era.
  • Try Looking for the Symbolism and Meaning in the Paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Other Examples of Eastern Art.
  • The Beauty of Symmetry: Geometry and Design in Islamic Art and Architecture.

Greek Art Research Paper Topics

Greek art is a rich and fascinating field of study that offers endless possibilities. Here is a list of art research paper topics exploring Greek artists’ diverse and complex world.

  • Examine the Development of Sculptures from the Archaic to the Hellenistic Period.
  • Analyze How Greek Artists Portrayed Gods, Goddesses, and Mythological Heroes.
  • How Did Ceramics’ Significance in Daily Life Shape Pottery’s Role in Ancient Greece?
  • Take an in Depth Look at the Use of Colour in Greek Sculpture, Painting, and Pottery.
  • The Influence of Egypt on Greek Art and How It Impacted the Development of the Current Identity.
  • Analyze How Women Were Represented and Their Role in Shaping the Cultural Context of the Time.
  • Develop the Topic on the Symbolism and Representation of Animals in Greek Art and Mythology.
  • Find Research Papers That Illustrate the Influence of Greece on Roman Art.

Art Topics during the Byzantine Period

Byzantine art illustrates the social context of that time, focusing on religious themes and having a close relationship between art and theology. Explore some of the most notable examples of Byzantine art, including mosaics and frescoes.

  • A Study of the Architectural and Artistic Achievements of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
  • Compare Your Personal Impressions on the Similarities and Differences between Byzantine Art and the Pieces Created during the Renaissance.
  • What Was the Importance of Ivory Triptychs in Byzantine Art?
  • To Understand Illumination, Research the Byzantine Manuscripts and Their Decorations.
  • Compare the Artistic Styles of the Byzantine Art and the Romanesque Period.
  • Learn More about the Revival of Classical Artistic Techniques in Byzantine Art.

Medieval Art History Research Paper Topics

Medieval art is characterized by intricate designs, elaborate ornamentation, and religious symbolism, reflecting the time’s beliefs. In writing a research paper on Medieval art history, choosing the right topic allows an in-depth exploration of various aspects of this period.

  • Examine the Development in the Representation of Religious Figures and Scenes in Medieval Artworks.
  • Analyze the Artistry and Significance of Illuminated Manuscripts in Europe.
  • Explore the Influence of Islamic Art on the Development of Medieval Paintings.
  • Examine the Meanings and Representation of Animals and Their Significance in That Time’s Worldview.
  • Deep Dive into the Techniques and Symbolism Used in Stained Glass Windows in Medieval Churches.

Renaissance Paper Topics

The Renaissance Era was a period of profound cultural rebirth that had a lasting impact on the development of Western art. New growing ideas started a revolution in paintings and sculptures that saw the emergence of new techniques and forms of expression.

  • Exploring the Ideals of Humanism and How They Were Reflected on Art at That Period.
  • Analyze the Revival of Classical Motifs and Themes in Renaissance Art.
  • Write about the Use of Perspective during the Renaissance Era and Its Impact on the Representation of Space and Depth.
  • Analyze How Women Were Represented in Art and Their Role in Shaping the Cultural Context of That Time.
  • Patronage System during Renaissance: Individual and Institutions Support of Art.
  • Examine the Rise of Artists-Genius, Such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo, and How Society Perceived Them.
  • Explore How Religious Themes Were Depicted in Renaissance Art.
  • Start an Analysis of the Use of Allegory in Renaissance Art and Its Meaning in the Cultural Context of the Time.

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Research Paper Topics on the Baroque Era

The Baroque era is known for its dramatic and ornate style, intricate ornamentation, and bold colours. In the following topics, we will explore some research paper key concepts related to the Baroque era.

  • The Power of Light and Shade: A Study of Caravaggio’s Dramatic Use of Chiaroscuro.
  • Carry an in Depth Analysis of the Religious Context of Baroque Art Presented in Murals and Paintings.
  • The Triumph of Movement: An Analysis of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Sculpture and Its Dynamic Qualities.
  • Study Female Portrayals by Artemisia Gentileschi and Judith Leyster and Learn More about the Role of Women in the Baroque Era.
  • Baroque and Politics: The Relationship between Art and Power in 17th-Century Europe.
  • Develop an Article about Trompe-L’œIl Painting in Baroque Art and Discover the Power of Illusion.

The Impressionist Artistic Movement

Impressionism is an art movement that emphasizes capturing the transient effects of light and colour in the natural world. By exploring the following art research paper topics, we will gain a deeper understanding of the significance of impressionism and its ongoing legacy.

  • Understand Better the Concept of Time in Impressionist Paintings by Studying Some of Paul Cézanne’s Still Life.
  • What’s the Relevance of Weather in Impressionist Work, and What Can We Learn from It?
  • Discover the Importance of Motion in Impressionist Landscapes, According to Camille Pissarro.
  • What Was the Reception of Impressionism in America, and How It Impacted Local Artists?
  • Draw a Timeline of the Evolution of éDouard Manet’s Artistic Style.
  • The Role of Race and Ethnicity in Degas’ Art: A Comparative Study of His Depictions of Black and Asian Figures.

The Modern Art Talk about Romanticism

Romanticism is an interesting topic characterized by a fascination with emotion, nature, and the individual. By examining the art nuances of Romanticism, we can better understand the cultural and historical context in which these works were created and appreciate its enduring influence.

  • Evoking Awe and Terror in the Art of Caspar David Friedrich and J.M.W. Turner.
  • Learn more about the occult in the works of Samuel Taylor coleridge and William Blake.
  • Did the Portrayal of Femininity in the Works of Jane Austen, Eugène Delacroix, and William Blake Romanticize Women?
  • Explore Turner and Wordsworth’s responses to the Industrial Revolution.
  • Delacroix and the Impact of the French Revolution on the Romantic Movement.
  • How Did Wordsworth and Goethe Portray Childhood?

The Art Influence of Mannerism

The Mannerist period followed the High Renaissance and preceded the Baroque era. Its highlights include the works of artists such as Michelangelo and Tintoretto, who created some of the era’s most beautiful and thought-provoking pieces.

  • A Study of the Relationship between Artistic Style and Religious Change in Europe.
  • Find Out More about Innovative Techniques and Styles Used by Mannerist Portraitists.
  • Research about Michelangelo’s Influence on the Development of the Mannerist Style.
  • Write an Article about the Innovations Employed by the Painter Bronzino.
  • How Was the Relationship between Cellini and Michelangelo?
  • A Comparative Study of Female Portrayals by Sofonisba Anguissola and Lavinia Fontana.
  • Innovative Techniques Used by Mannerist Artists in Their Departure from Classical Tradition.

The Post-impressionist Art Movement

Post-impressionism was a reaction against the limitations of impressionism. They sought to expand the boundaries of art by exploring new techniques, emphasizing individual expression, and infusing their works with symbolic meaning.

  • Examine How Post-impressionist Painters Used Colour to Convey Emotion and Atmosphere.
  • The Evolution of Pointillism from Seurat to Pissarro and Van Gogh.
  • Discuss the Influence of Scientific Theories on the Development of Post-impressionist Painting Techniques.
  • The Influence of Music on Gauguin and Kandinsky’s Post-impressionist Works.
  • What Was the Legacy of Post-impressionism in the Paintings of Fauvists and Expressionists Such as Vlaminck and Nolde?

Surrealism in Art History

Surrealism sought to challenge the rationality and logic of Western thought, emphasizing the power of the unconscious mind. Surrealist artists sought to create works that blurred the lines between reality and fantasy.

  • Breaking Barriers and Boundaries: Feminist Critique of Surrealist Art.
  • How Did Surrealism Represent Sexuality and Desire in Its Artworks?
  • Dreams and the Unconscious: Surrealism’s Gateway to the Psyche.
  • What Was the Role of Surrealism in the Construction of Gender Identity?
  • From Art to Advertising: Surrealist Techniques in Marketing.
  • How Did Surrealism Represent the Non-human?

The Highlights of Cubism

Cubism is an art movement where Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque revolutionized traditional forms of representation by breaking down objects into geometric shapes. Here are some ideas of themes for your next art research paper regarding Cubism.

  • Study the Impacts of Cubist Paintings on American Artists Such as Stuart Davis and Charles Demuth.
  • The Role of Cubism in Modern Graphic Design: A Comparative Analysis of the Work of Cassandre and Moholy-Nagy.
  • The Relationship between Cubist Art and Literature and How It Influenced the Trajectory of James Joyce and Gertrude Stein.
  • A Comparative Study of the Depiction of Time in the Paintings of Picasso and Braque.
  • Find Out How Jazz and African Rhythms Influenced the Development of Cubism.

The Avant-garde Art Topics

The Avant-garde art movement pushed art boundaries, experimenting with new techniques, materials, and subject matter. In these topics, college students can explore the critical characteristics of this art style.

  • What Was the Role of Marcel Duchamp in Shaping the Avant-Garde Movement?
  • Learn More about Kazimir Malevich’s “Black Square” Significance in Avant-Garde Art.
  • How Did the Work of Francis Picabia Challenge Traditional Notions of Art and Beauty?
  • Examine the Impact of Futurism on Avant-Garde Art through the Creation of Umberto Boccioni.
  • Understand the Use of Technology in Avant-Garde Art through the Work of Nam June Paik.

The Expressionist Art Movement

Expressionist artists sought to convey intense emotions through their works, rejecting traditional forms of representation in favour of abstraction and distortion. This list will explore the critical characteristics of Expressionism, examining its cultural and historical context.

  • What Was the Influence of Expressionism on Abstract Art: From the Work of Rothko and Newman.
  • Nature in Expressionist Art: A Survey of the Creation of Emil Nolde and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.
  • Deep Dive into German Expressionism’s Impact on Modern Art Development.
  • Expressionism and the Representation of War: A Comparative Analysis of Dix and Grosz’s Depictions of World War I.
  • Analyze How Religion Existed in the Expressionist Movement, Englobing Marc Chagall’s Work and Its Relationship to Mysticism.
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Topics on Dadaism

The Dadaist era was famous for its irreverent humour and rejection of logic and reason. By reviewing the Dadaist age, we can better understand how art can be used as a social and political critique.

  • A Study of the Use of Humor in the Work of Duchamp and Ernst during Dadaism.
  • How Was the National Identity Represented in Dadaism in the Work of Huelsenbeck and Grosz?
  • Trace the Dadaist Roots in the Cultural and Political Context of the Early 20th Century.
  • Analyze How Dadaists Turned Chance and Accident into Creative Tools.
  • Examine How Artists Used Collage and Photomontage to Challenge Traditional Notions of Art during Dadaism.
  • Trace the Journey of Francis Picabia’s Shifting Style in the Dada Movement.
  • Marcel Duchamp’s Readymades and the Subversive Legacy of Dadaism.

Pop Art Debate Topics

Pop Art is a visual arts movement that appropriated popular cultural imagery and techniques, challenging traditional fine art concepts. With their lasting influence, these art epochs are exciting topics for research papers for college students.

  • How Did Pop Art Reflect and Critique Consumer Culture and Consumerism?
  • Analyze the Art and Influence of Andy Warhol and How He Contributed to the Development of the Movement.
  • How Did Pop Art Appropriate and Recontextualize Advertising Imagery?
  • Examine How Female Artists Contributed to Pop Art and How They Challenged Traditional Gender Roles.
  • How Did Roy Lichtenstein Contribute to Developing Graphic Novel-Inspired Imagery in Pop Art?
  • Analyze How Pop Art Has Influenced and Been Influenced by Digital Media.

Art Education Research Topics in the 16th Century

  • Discover the Artistic Innovations of Bruegel, Bosch, and Dürer in the Northern Renaissance.
  • Why Was the Artistic Response to the Catholic Church’s Reforms Called Counter-Reformation Art?
  • Venetian Renaissance: The Colorful and Opulent Art of Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.
  • Emphasize the Artistic Achievements of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals.
  • What Did the Spanish Golden Age Contribute through the Work of Velázquez, Murillo, and Zurbarán?
  • Understand Mannerist Architecture and Its Ornate and Playful Buildings of Italy’s Palladio, Vignola, and Scamozzi.
  • What Happened When Rococo’s Lavish and Ornamental Style Was Present in Boucher, Fragonard, and Watteau’s Work?

Cool Art Ideas during the 17th Century

  • The Realistic and Genre Scenes of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals in Dutch Baroque.
  • The Theatrical Style of Poussin, Le Brun, and Lorrain of the Baroque Period in France.
  • Naturalistic Art in the Flemish Baroque of Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens in Flanders.
  • The Emotive and Dramatic Style of Caravaggio, Bernini, and Borromini in the Italian Baroque.
  • The Revival of Classical Antiquity in European Art and Design through Neoclassicism.
  • The Mastery of Detail in the Dutch Still Life Paintings by Willem Kalf, Pieter Claesz, and Rachel Ruysch.
  • Illustrating the Contrast of Light and Dark in the Paintings of Velázquez and Zurbarán.
  • Flemish Still Life Painting: The Richness in the Works of Jan Davidsz de Heem, Clara Peeters, and Osias Beert.

Research Papers on Art Produced during the 18th Century

  • The Ornate and Playful Rococo Art by Watteau, Boucher, and Fragonard in France.
  • The Revival of Classical Antiquity in European Art, Architecture, and Design in the Rising of Neoclassicism.
  • Depictions of Natural Beauty by Gainsborough, Constable, and Turner in 18th-Century British Landscape Paintings.
  • The Development of a New Style in Portraiture, Landscape, and Still Life Painting in American Colonial Art.
  • Intricacy and Elegance of Porcelain, Jade, and Lacquer Ware Developed during the Qing Dynasty in China.
  • Discover Indian Miniature Painting through Its Colorful and Narrative Art of Mughal and Rajput Courts.
  • The Use of the Contrast of Light and Dark in the Spanish Baroque, Illustrated by the Works of Velázquez and Zurbarán.
  • Extravagant and Sensuous Italian Rococo Paintings by Tiepolo, Guardi, and Canaletto in Italy.

The 19th Century Artistic Styles

  • Understand the Depiction of Everyday Life and Social Issues through the Realism of Courbet, Millet, and Daumier.
  • The Curvilinear and Organic Designs of Art Nouveau in European Architecture and Decorative Arts.
  • Find Out What Is behind the Mystical Art of Moreau, Redon, and Klimt.
  • The Romantic and Medieval Style in Painting, Poetry, and Design in the Pre-raphaelite Period.
  • Study the Hudson River School and the Landscape Painting Movement Focusing on Cole, Church, and Bierstadt.
  • The Exotic and Colorful Japanese Woodblock Prints of Ukiyo-E, with Focus on Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Utamaro.
  • Academic Classicism Focused on the Preservation of Traditional Techniques, Emphasizing on Bouguereau, Gérôme, and Leighton.
  • The Bold and Vibrant Use of Color in Fauvism by Matisse, Derain, and Vlaminck.

The 20th Century’s Artistic Characteristics

  • The Breaking Down of Reality and Perception in Cubism by Pablo Picasso and Braque.
  • The Works of Munch, Kirchner, and Schiele Show the Emotion and Inner Feelings in Expressionism.
  • The Celebration of Technology, Movement, and Modernity through Futurism by Boccioni and Balla.
  • The Large-Scale and Gestural Art Movement by Jackson Pollock, Rothko, and de Kooning during Abstract Expressionism.
  • The Simplification and Reduction of Form in Minimalism, with Focus on Judd, Flavin, and Andre.
  • The Emphasis on Ideas over Aesthetics Inspired Conceptual Art Constructed by Kosuth, Weiner, and Acconci.
  • The Return to Figurative and Emotional Art in Neo-Expressionism with Focus on Basquiat, Schnabel, and Kiefer.

Contemporary Art History Topics

  • How the International Art Market Is Changing the Art Landscape through Globalization.
  • Examine the Continuing Impact of Pop Art on Contemporary Art Practices.
  • Explore the Relationship between Street Art and Mainstream Art Institutions.
  • How Are Artists Using Their Work to Address Race, Gender, and Sexuality?
  • Examine How Painters Incorporate New Technologies and Techniques into Their Work.
  • Analyze How Performance Art Challenges Traditional Notions of Art and Audience Participation.
  • Explore How Contemporary Artists Challenge the Status Quo and What Constitutes Art in the Last Centuries.

Mexican Revolutionary Art Research Paper Topics

The Mexican Revolution was a significant political change in Mexico. Revolutionary art emerged as a powerful tool for propaganda and expressed the hopes and aspirations of the Mexican people. These themes exemplify some of the most interesting paintings to write about.

  • Art Contribution to the Mexican Revolutionary Movement.
  • Analyze How Artists Portrayed Revolutionary Heroes Such as Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa.
  • Examine How Muralists Such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Jose Clemente Orozco Used Art to Promote Social Change.
  • Artists’ Representation of Indigenous People during the Revolutionary Period.
  • Explore How Mexican Revolutionary Art Has Influenced and Inspired Artists in Mexico and Beyond.

Architecture Research Paper Topics

  • An Analysis of Organic Forms and Materials in Santiago Calatrava’s Designs.
  • Write a Critical Analysis of Zaha Hadid’s Visionary Designs.
  • Examine How Shigeru Ban’s Designs Address Social and Environmental Challenges.
  • Build a Historical Overview of the Green Building Movement and Its Influence on Contemporary Architecture.
  • Analyze the Effects of Colonialism on the Built Environment of Former Colonies.

Theater Research Paper Ideas

  • Carry an Examination of the Role of Emotion and Empathy in Theater Performance.
  • Start a Comparative Study of Emerging Trends and Innovations in Contemporary Theater Production.
  • Analyzing the Legacy of Ancient Dramaturgy on Modern Performance.
  • What Are the Techniques and Styles of Julie Taymor and Her Impact on Modern Stagecraft?
  • The Political Satire of George Bernard Shaw: An Examination of His Use of Humor and Wit in Social Critique.

The Study of Photography as Research about Art

  • What Is the Relationship between Photography and Memory, and How Do Photographs Shape Our Perceptions of the Past?
  • How Did Modern Society Revolutionize the Use of Photography in Advertising, and What Are the Effects on Consumer Behaviour?
  • The Intersection of Photography and Architecture: How Photographers Capture the Urban Environment.
  • Discover the Role of War Photography in Documenting and Promoting Social Justice.
  • Analyze How Photos Can Be Used as a Tool for Scientific Research and New Technological Discoveries.
  • The Rise of Digital Photography and Its Effects on the Field.
  • Explore How Photographers Portray and Challenge Traditional Gender Roles and Identities in Contemporary Photography.

Artist Biography Ideas

  • Vincent Van Gogh: The Tragic Life of a Misunderstood Artist.
  • A Biography of the Groundbreaking American Impressionist Painter, Mary Cassatt.
  • Diego Rivera: The Life and Work of the Revolutionary Mexican Muralist.
  • Learn More about the History and Art of the Bold and Trailblazing Baroque Painter Artemisia Gentileschi.
  • AI Weiwei: The Activism of the Contemporary Chinese Artist and Dissident.
  • The Artistic Legacy of Gustav Klimt, the Austrian Symbolist Painter.
  • Frida Kahlo: The Work of the Iconic Mexican Surrealist Artist.
  • What Are the Most Interesting Parts of the American Neo-Expressionist Painter Jean-Michel Basquiat Journey?

Generate Citations APA MLA Chicago IEEE AMA Turabian ASA APSA Bluebook CSE Website Book Journal article Newspaper article Book section or chapter Article Encyclopedia article Magazine article Citetions

Art Topics Ideas Base on the Artists of the 18th Century

  • Explore the Satirical Art of the British Painter and Printmaker William Hogarth.
  • How Was the Life of Rococo and French Artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard?
  • Thomas Gainsborough: The Artistic Legacy of the English Portrait Painter.
  • What Were the Achievements of the Swiss-English Neoclassical Artist Angelica Kauffman?
  • Understand How the French Revolution Was Seen through the Artistic Vision of the Painter Jacques-Louis David.
  • The Hidden Meanings behind the English Portrait Painter Joshua Reynolds.
  • What Was the Artistic Legacy of the Pioneering French Portrait Painter éLisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun?

Artists of the 19th Century

  • Gustave Courbet: The Artistic Vision of the French Realist Painter.
  • The Sculptures of Auguste Rodin and His Legacy in 19th-Century France.
  • What Were the Artistic Achievements of the American Portrait Painter John Singer Sargent?
  • Get a Grasp of the Legacy of One of the Most Iconic French Modernist Painters, éDouard Manet.
  • How Was Impressionism Present in the Body of Work from French Impressionist Painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir?
  • Mary Cassatt: The Artistic Contributions of the American Impressionist Painter.
  • Find Out More about the History behind the Evolution of the French Post-impressionist Painter Paul Gauguin.

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198 Art History Thesis Topics: Best Ideas

198 Art History Thesis Topics

Did you know that on this page, you can find 198 original art history thesis topics that you can’t find anywhere else? Our art experts and professional writers have created this list over the last couple of months. In fact, we are updating the list periodically to make sure each student who visits our blog has the chance to find a unique topic that he or she can write a thesis on.

In addition to the exceptional topics, we also have some tips and tricks on how to write the perfect thesis without spending months working on it. This blog post includes the chapters you need to write (with a short explanation of each one), as well as some of the things you need to keep in mind when writing a thesis. Let’s get started!

Writing the Best Art History Thesis Paper

As you probably know already, finding some original art history thesis topics is just one part of the thesis writing process. Because we know most students don’t have any experience writing theses, we will briefly talk about some of the key characteristics of a good thesis paper. We will start with the structure. Here are the main chapters you should have in your paper:

Introduction:  This is the part where you will present your thesis statement, as well as discuss the significance of your thesis and present the research questions, limitations and assumptions. Review of Related Literature:  Use this chapter to discuss what you have learned from other works in your field that pertain to your chosen topic. Show your readers why your research is relevant to the topic. Design and Methodology:  In this chapter, you will need to present the design and discuss the methods you have used to gather the data or the evidence to support your thesis statement. A reader should be able to replicate your study after reading this chapter. Findings:  This is the part where you can discuss your findings and show your readers why and how they support your thesis. You can include a part where you make recommendations for further research, if necessary. Conclusion:  The final chapter of your paper, the Conclusion is the place where you summarize everything and reemphasize the main points of your paper. Refrain from introducing any new information here.

Apart from structuring your thesis correctly, you should keep a few other important things in mind. Here are some of the things that will help you get a better grade on your research paper, according to our expert academic writers:

Make sure you only gather data from reliable sources. Also, remember to cite and reference each source you use. Format your thesis correctly, in accordance with the guidelines in the style book. Each style (APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, etc.) has a style book that you can usually find online for free. Edit your work thoroughly and make sure your logic and clarity are perfect. Also make sure you are not using technical terms that you have not defined previously. Think about what examiners want to see or try to learn what they are looking for. After all, you want a top grade, don’t you? Do your best to come up with a unique, interesting thesis. Think long and hard about how you will write the thesis statement. Get feedback from your supervisor as early as possible. This can prevent some serious delays and rewrites. Find some original art history thesis topics and choose the one you think would thrill the evaluation committee.

Fortunately for you, the last tip is something we can help you with right now. We have 198 original art history thesis topics right here on this page. You can use any of them for free. No, you don’t even need to give us any credit. That is our thesis writing help to begin with going through these topics shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes, so what are you waiting for?

Easy Thesis Topics in Art History

We’ll start our list with some easy thesis topics in art history. Choose any of these ideas if you want to spend as little time as possible writing your paper:

  • Discuss the Gothic stained glass
  • Compare ancient Egyptian and Roman art
  • The important of Mona Lisa
  • An in-depth look at the Romanesque style
  • An in-depth look at Amarna Art
  • Discuss art in the Golden Age
  • Analyze the life of Claude Monet
  • What is reformed naturalism?
  • Peculiarities of the surrealist movement
  • Discuss art in the Notre Dame
  • Talk about sculptures in a cathedral of your choice
  • Research the life of Picasso
  • Talk about political views in sculpture
  • The peculiarities of Gothic art
  • How important are recurring subjects in art?

Art History Research Questions

The best way to come up with a great topic is to go through some art history research questions. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the best ones below:

  • What is photogravure and why is it important?
  • What are the peculiarities of Scandinavian weaving?
  • What are some characteristics of Egyptian art?
  • How important is art as part of the curriculum?
  • What is the role of life in modern art?
  • Which artist had the biggest influence on contemporary art?
  • What makes Gothic paintings special?
  • Can you talk about the Dadaist movement?
  • What is real art?
  • Can you talk about the history is symbols in Gothic paintings?
  • How did art evolve in Ancient Rome?
  • Why is Leonardo Da Vinci so popular?
  • How important is nature in ancient art?
  • When did Cubism first appear?
  • How were ancient works of art preserved?

Art in the 19th Century Topics

In case you want to write a thesis on 19th century art, you have arrived at the right place. Here are some of the best art in the 19th century topics:

  • Discuss European painting in the 19th century
  • Modernism in the 19th century
  • The history of surrealism
  • Talk about the focus of 19th century art
  • The history of cubism
  • The history of symbolism
  • Research the Industrial Revolution in art
  • Compare symbolism and cubism
  • Talk about the Enlightenment movement
  • What influenced modern art in the 19th century?

Art History Thesis Topics on the Late Gothic Period

Our experienced writers managed to create a list of art history thesis topics on the late gothic period that you will absolutely love:

  • Discuss the vaulted hall churches in Germany
  • Major themes in late Gothic sculptures
  • Differences between Renaissance and late Gothic art
  • Talk about the British Perpendicular style
  • Discuss the Flamboyant style
  • Compare and contrast the Flamboyant and Perpendicular styles
  • Major themes in late Gothic paintings
  • The main symbols of Gothic art
  • Research the late gothic era in France
  • What is the tracery window?

Art History Senior Thesis Topics

Are you working on a senior thesis in art history and need some inspiration? All you have to do is pick one of our art history senior thesis topics for free and start writing:

  • Talk about manuscripts in Modernist paintings
  • A closer look at the Romanesque style
  • The role of life in art
  • The history of photography as an art
  • An in-depth look at Neoclassicist sculptures
  • Art on the Great Wall in China
  • Discuss the importance of recurring subjects in art
  • The role of nature in art
  • An in-depth look at Christian symbols in art
  • The first musical instruments

Undergraduate Art History Thesis Topics

Of course, our list of topics would not be complete without some ideas for undergrads. Here are the undergraduate art history thesis topics we think will perform best in 2023:

  • Research the Statue of Zeus
  • Famous impressionists
  • Talk about stained glass windows
  • Talk about 3 important Greek sculptures
  • Discuss the film industry in Bollywood
  • Research the history of pop art
  • Primitivism: is it an art?
  • Research the history of Venetian carnival masks
  • Differences between modernism and cubism
  • Discuss the Rococo movement

Art History Photography Thesis Topics

Interested in writing about photography? After all, it is art. Don’t worry about it; we’ve got your back. Here are some original art history photography thesis topics:

  • Discuss the history of photography
  • Are photographs works of art?
  • Famous artworks that are photographs
  • Latest advancements in photographic technology
  • An in-depth look at lighting and its uses
  • Research 3 artists that have made an art out of photography
  • An in-depth look at the purpose of photography
  • Research the first photo camera
  • Famous photographs in art museums in your area
  • The life and work of Ansel Adams
  • The role of Jonas Leriche in photography
  • Discuss the role of the background in photography
  • How important is the camera for a photographer?
  • What makes a good photographer?

Popular Art History Thesis Topics

If you’re looking for the most popular art history thesis topics, we have some great news for you. We have an entire list of them right here:

  • Discuss the Art Nouveau style
  • What makes Pablo Picasso’s paintings remarkable?
  • An in-depth look at photorealism
  • Discuss funerary art in ancient Egypt
  • Research the history of Chinese art
  • Discuss the role of the abstract in modern paintings
  • Composite styles in ancient Rome paintings
  • Discuss the rise of modern art in Europe
  • An in-depth look at Biblical motifs in Leonardo Da Vinci’s art
  • The first art fair in the world
  • Discuss the La Tene Celtic art style
  • Discuss art in the Feudal Era
  • An in-depth look at the history of Japanese art
  • Research Mayan paintings

Art History Thesis Topics Greek

Are you interested in talking about Greek art? Do you want some of the best topics for free? You’re in luck because we have some interesting art history thesis topics greek for you right here:

  • Analyze the Kore statue in Greece
  • Talk about the Mask of Agamemnon
  • Research ancient Greek pottery
  • Research the Hades abducting Persephone painting
  • Discuss the Coloso de Rodas
  • Roman sculptures in ancient Greece
  • The history of ancient Greek art
  • Research ancient Greek architecture
  • Discuss the Geometric period
  • Research metalwork art in Greece

Art History Thesis Topics Impressionism

Writing your thesis on a topic related to impressionism will surely impress the evaluation committee and your supervisor. Check out these art history thesis topics impressionism ideas:

  • Discuss the Impression, Sunrise by Claude Monet
  • Research the styles in The Fighting Temeraire
  • The depiction of light in impressionism
  • Research Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette
  • Discuss the embracement of modernity
  • The history of the Impressionist movement
  • The main ideas of impressionism
  • Talk about the style of open composition
  • Discuss unusual visual angles
  • Talk about the first impressionist exhibition

Art History Research Topics

Your research paper will be memorable if you choose the right topic for it, guaranteed. Take a look at this brand new list of art history research topics and select the one you like the most:

  • Talk about women in art
  • The history of modernism
  • Architecture as a form of art
  • The role of the Trojan Horse
  • Talk about art as a form of therapy
  • The importance of Francisco de Goya’s paintings
  • Dreams in works by Dali
  • Discuss the rise of pop art
  • Art and autism
  • Discuss the Art Deco style

Famous Artists and Their Works

It has been demonstrated that finding new and interesting facts about famous artists can get students some bonus points. Here are some ideas related to famous artists and their works:

  • The life and works of Leonardo Da Vinci
  • The life and works of Pablo Picasso
  • Discuss the most important Warhol sculpture
  • Dorothea Lange’s contributions to photograph
  • Discuss the works of Zeuxis
  • The life and works of Michelangelo
  • The life and works of Constantin Brancusi
  • The life and works of Vincent Van Gogh
  • The importance of Marie Tussaud
  • An in-depth look at the history of the Mona Lisa
  • The life and works of Alberto Giacometti
  • Analyze the works of Apelles (370 BC)
  • The life and works of Henry Moore
  • The life and works of Rembrandt
  • The life and photographs of Ansel Adams

Ancient Art History Research Paper Topics

Our experienced academic writers managed to come up with a nice list of ancient art history research paper topics for students looking to start working on their thesis:

  • Talk about ancient art in Palestine
  • Research primitive art
  • Talk about ancient art in China
  • Talk about ancient art in Greece
  • Characteristics of ancient art
  • Talk about ancient art in Rome
  • The first work of art in the world
  • Talk about ancient art in India
  • Talk about ancient art in Mesopotamia
  • Characteristics of Persian art

Compare and Contrast Topics in Art History

If you want to write a compare and contrast paper, you are in luck. We have just added these interesting compare and contrast topics:

  • Echion and Polygnotus
  • Salvador Dali and Michelangelo
  • Modern and contemporary art
  • Vincent Van Gogh and Raphael
  • Compare and contrast two sculptures of your choice
  • Impressionism and cubism
  • Claude Monet and Leornardo da Vinci
  • Compare and contrast two paintings of your choice
  • Protogenes and Apollodorus
  • Henri Matisse and Frida Kahlo
  • Surrealism and modern art
  • Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer
  • Compare and contrast two art styles of your choice
  • Abstract expressionism and cubism
  • Jackson Pollock and Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Controversial Art History Topics

Art history has, like many other fields, plenty of controversies. Why not write your research paper on one of them? Here are some interesting yet controversial art history topics:

  • Research the Le Dejeuner sur l’Herbe by Édouard Manet
  • An in-depth look at Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain
  • Discuss the Campbell’s Soup Cans by Andy Warhol
  • What makes an art piece controversial?
  • Controversies surrounding Pablo Picasso’s Guernica mural
  • Controversies in pop art
  • Is graffiti an art?

Contemporary Art History Topics

Do you want to write your thesis on a topic in contemporary art? No problem, we’ve got you covered. Check out these awesome contemporary art history topics and choose one for free:

  • The life and work of Takashi Murakami
  • The importance of Jenny Saville’s work
  • Major themes in contemporary paintings
  • Talk about contemporary art motifs on jewelry
  • The top 3 greatest contemporary artists
  • Talk about contemporary music
  • Talk about what makes contemporary art unique
  • Contemporary art on ceramics

Renaissance and the Middle Ages topics

Stop wasting your time searching for topics and select one of these brand new (100% original) Renaissance and the Middle Ages topics:

  • The life and work of Donatello
  • Peculiarities of Sandro Botticelli’s paintings
  • The history of the La Pieta
  • Research the sculptures of Michelangelo
  • The painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling
  • An in-depth look at The Last Judgment painting
  • Styles in Caravaggio’s paintings
  • The life and works of Matteo Civitali
  • Research the Mona Lisa painting
  • The importance of Titian’s painting styles
  • Research the history of The Birth of Venus
  • The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
  • Discuss a painting by Masaccio
  • Discuss the David of Michelangelo sculpture
  • Research the history of Lorenzo Ghiberti’s sculptures

Get Quality Thesis Writing Help

We know that most students are struggling with their first thesis. Don’t worry, you are certainly not the only one in this position. Truth be told, writing a thesis the right way can be extremely difficult for anyone who has not done it before. This is why, in addition to the exceptional thesis topics art history students are looking for, we are offering top quality custom dissertation help to students who want to get a top grade on their paper.

Get access to an expert online in a matter of minutes. All you have to do is tell us what you need and when you need it. We’ll pair you with one of our professional thesis writers in no time. Are you worried about the quality of our work? We know that the Internet can be a dangerous place, but you can certainly trust us and out experts. Just take a look at the feedback we have received from students like you over the years and decide if you need our services. Our art history thesis writers are ready to start working on your project right now.

174 Film Research Paper Topics

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thesis topics about art

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80 Art History Thesis Topics To Skyrocket Your Grades

art history thesis topics

An art history paper is just as the name suggests, an academic paper concerned with the history and development of art as a study field. Here, you will explore expert art history research topics for your homework. Are you ready? Let’s get done with it already!

Art History Thesis Topics on the Late Gothic Period

  • Significant stylistic changes from the Romanesque style of the 12th century
  • The relationship between the great cathedrals of Europe and the late Gothic period
  • Monumental sculptures in the cathedrals of Europe
  • The relevance of Abbey Church of St. Denis in Gothic architecture
  • Gothic art in the Notre Dame in Paris
  • Manuscript illustration in the Gothic paintings
  • A review of the surviving Gothic paintings

Inspiring Thesis Topics Art History

  • The artist’s major influences in a particular piece of art
  • The role of recurring subjects in art
  • Critically evaluate Lorenzo Costa’s Portrait of a Cardinal in his Study
  • Why is photogravure used more than encaustic painting?
  • Critical features of Abstract Expressionist painting
  • Discuss the common motifs in the embroidery and Scandinavian weaving
  • Evaluate the Baroque as a significant period of artistic activity

Art History Senior Thesis Topics

  • A review of the images used to communicate messages in art history
  • The historical and transcultural contexts of visual works
  • The history of feminism art portrayal
  • The impact of Marxism ideology on the development of art
  • A critical analysis of the aesthetic values of art in homes
  • The history of signs and symbols in paintings
  • Theories that define the history and development of art

Undergraduate Art History Thesis Topics

  • Evaluate the development of art in Ancient Greece
  • The role of art in historical analysis and learning
  • How different were the artists from the expressionism period?
  • The impact of Cubism development on the art world
  • How did artists preserve ancient artworks, and why?
  • What led to the extinction of the Dadaism art movement?
  • A study of Leonardo da Vinci’s life history

Impressive Thesis Topics in Art History

  • How do the Eastern and Western artworks of the 18th century compare?
  • An analysis of the developments leading to modern art
  • Comparison between ancient and contemporary artists
  • What is the definition of real art?
  • Methods of dissecting a complex piece of art in simple words
  • The role of nature and life in influencing art
  • How art therapy has developed from ancient cultural practices

Art History Photography Thesis Topics

  • How to make a distinction between an American and French art photographer
  • Are there distinctions between art and photography?
  • Why is photography replacing fine art?
  • How the printing press has led to the development of photography
  • The cultural revolution and its relationship to art history
  • Compare and contrast the relationship between photography and ancient art
  • Compare and analyze design styles in Picasso’s blue and rose periods

Popular Art History Thesis Topics

  • How science has influenced Ancient Greek sculptures
  • What led to the shift of the Roman artistic styles in the 4th century?
  • The relationship between The Great Wall of China and art.
  • The place and role of women and politics in Ancient Rome architecture.
  • Representation of males in Ancient Art.
  • How did art influence architectural structures in ancient times?
  • Why ancient Rome is full of art

Art History Thesis Topics Greek

  • The importance of pottery and vases in ancient Greek art.
  • A study of the ancient Greek arts periods: Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic.
  • How the Statue of Zeus at Olympia reflects the artistic style of the time.
  • Compare and contrast any of these styles of Greek art: the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles of Greek architecture
  • Why were Fresco paintings included on or inside many ancient Greek structures?
  • Contributions of Polykleitos to the ancient Greek art industry
  • What was so unique about Parthenon?

Art History Thesis Topics Impressionism

  • The role of impressionists in the art hierarchy
  • Why canon and traditions were against impressionism
  • The origins of impressionism
  • The influence of impressionism on the art process
  • A study of the founding members of the Impressionism movement
  • Why the pioneers of impressionism used diverse approaches to painting
  • The impact of the sketch-like appearance

Modern Art History Topics For High School

  • The influence of pop art culture in America
  • Materials and styles in Chinese calligraphy
  • Evaluate the art of henna in the Middle East, India, and Africa
  • Art and cultural inclinations
  • Ancient art culture
  • The emergence of the Bollywood film industry
  • The sense of art in today’s movies and series.’

Ancient Art History Research Paper Topics

  • The art of disguising
  • Cartoons as a form of art
  • Color in art
  • Similarities between Picasso and Leonardo Da Vinci
  • Is Graffiti vandalism?

Compare and Contrast Topics in Art History

  • Baroque vs. Rococo designs
  • Renaissance and Baroque Epoch
  • Cubism and impressionism
  • French vs. American art
  • Gothic vs. Neo-Gothic periods

Did you find a professional topic from the list above? If not, you can use our quality thesis writing help online and get your assignment sorted right away. It’s simple, fast, pocket friendly.

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Visual Arts Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2014 2014.

A Maoli-Based Art Education: Ku'u Mau Kuamo'o 'Ōlelo , Raquel Malia Andrus

Accumulation of Divine Service , Blaine Lee Atwood

Caroline Murat: Powerful Patron of Napoleonic France and Italy , Brittany Dahlin

.(In|Out)sider$ , Jarel M. Harwood

Mariko Mori's Sartorial Transcendence: Fashioned Identities, Denied Bodies, and Healing, 1993-2001 , Jacqueline Rose Hibner

Parallel and Allegory , Kody Keller

Fallen Womanhood and Modernity in Ivan Kramskoi's Unknown Woman (1883) , Trenton B. Olsen

Conscience and Context in Eastman Johnson's The Lord Is My Shepherd , Amanda Melanie Slater

The War That Does Not Leave Us: Memory of the American Civil War and the Photographs of Alexander Gardner , Katie Janae White

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Women and the Wiener Werkstätte: The Centrality of Women and the Applied Arts in Early Twentieth-Century Vienna , Caitlin J. Perkins Bahr

Cutting Into Relief , Matthew L. Bass

Mask, Mannequin, and the Modern Woman: Surrealism and the Fashion Photographs of George Hoyningen-Huene , Hillary Anne Carman

The End of All Learning , Maddison Carole Colvin

Civitas: A Game-Based Approach to AP Art History , Anna Davis

What Crawls Beneath , Brent L. Gneiting

Blame Me for Your Bad Grade: Autonomy in the Basic Digital Photography Classroom as a Means to Combat Poor Student Performance , Erin Collette Johnson

Evolving Art in Junior High , Randal Charles Marsh

All Animals Will Get Along in Heaven , Camila Nagata

It Will Always Be My Tree: An A/r/tographic Study of Place and Identity in an Elementary School Classroom , Molly Robertson Neves

Zofia Stryjeńska: Women in the Warsaw Town Square. Our Lady, Peasant Mother, Pagan Goddess , Katelyn McKenzie Sheffield

Using Contemporary Art to Guide Curriculum Design:A Contemporary Jewelry Workshop , Kathryn C. Smurthwaite

Documenting the Dissin's Guest House: Esther Bubley's Exploration of Jewish-American Identity, 1942-43 , Vriean Diether Taggart

Blooming Vines, Pregnant Mothers, Religious Jewelry: Gendered Rosary Devotion in Early Modern Europe , Rachel Anne Wise

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Rembrandt van Rijn's Jewish Bride : Depicting Female Power in the Dutch Republic Through the Notion of Nation Building , Nan T. Atwood

Portraits , Nicholas J. Bontorno

Where There Is Design , Elizabeth A. Crowe

George Dibble and the Struggle for Modern Art in Utah , Sarah Dibble

Mapping Creativity: An A/r/tographic Look at the Artistic Process of High School Students , Bart Andrus Francis

Joseph as Father in Guido Reni's St. Joseph Images , Alec Teresa Gardner

Student Autonomy: A Case Study of Intrinsic Motivation in the Art Classroom , Downi Griner

Aha'aina , Tali Alisa Hafoka

Fashionable Art , Lacey Kay

Effluvia and Aporia , Emily Ann Melander

Interactive Web Technology in the Art Classroom: Problems and Possibilities , Marie Lynne Aitken Oxborrow

Visual Storybooks: Connecting the Lives of Students to Core Knowledge , Keven Dell Proud

German Nationalism and the Allegorical Female in Karl Friedrich Schinkel's The Hall of Stars , Allison Slingting

The Influence of the Roman Atrium-House's Architecture and Use of Space in Engendering the Power and Independence of the Materfamilias , Anne Elizabeth Stott

The Narrative Inquiry Museum:An Exploration of the Relationship between Narrative and Art Museum Education , Angela Ames West

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

The Portable Art Gallery: Facilitating Student Autonomy and Ownership through Exhibiting Artwork , Jethro D. Gillespie

The Movement Of An Object Through A Field Creates A Complex Situation , Jared Scott Greenleaf

Alice Brill's Sao Paulo Photographs: A Cross-Cultural Reading , Danielle Jean Hurd

A Comparative Case Study: Investigation of a Certified Elementary Art Specialist Teaching Elementary Art vs. a Non-Art Certified Teacher Teaching Elementary Art , Jordan Jensen

A Core Knowledge Based Curriculum Designed to Help Seventh and Eighth Graders Maintain Artistic Confidence , Debbie Ann Labrum

Traces of Existence , Jayna Brown Quinn

Female Spectators in the July Monarchy and Henry Scheffer's Entrée de Jeanne d’Arc à Orléans , Kalisha Roberts

Without End , Amy M. Royer

Classroom Community: Questions of Apathy and Autonomy in a High School Jewelry Class , Samuel E. Steadman

Preparing Young Children to Respond to Art in the Museum , Nancy L. Stewart

DAY JAW BOO, a re-collection , Rachel VanWagoner

The Tornado Tree: Drawing on Stories and Storybooks , Toni A. Wood

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

IGolf: Contemporary Sculptures Exhibition 2009 , King Lun Kisslan Chan

24 Hour Portraits , Lee R. Cowan

Fabricating Womanhood , Emily Fox

Earth Forms , Janelle Marie Tullis Mock

Peregrinations , Sallie Clinton Poet

Leland F. Prince's Earth Divers , Leland Fred Prince

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Ascents and Descents: Personal Pilgrimage in Hieronymus Bosch's The Haywain , Alison Daines

Beyond the Walls: The Easter Processional on the Exterior Frescos of Moldavian Monastery Churches , Mollie Elizabeth McVey

Beauty, Ugliness, and Meaning: A Study of Difficult Beauty , Christine Anne Palmer

Lantern's Diary , Wei Zhong Tan

Text and Tapestry: "The Lady and the Unicorn," Christine de Pizan and the le Vistes , Shelley Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

A Call for Liberation: Aleijadinho's 'Prophets' as Capoeiristas , Monica Jayne Bowen

Secondhand Chinoiserie and the Confucian Revolutionary: Colonial America's Decorative Arts "After the Chinese Taste" , Kiersten Claire Davis

Dairy Culture: Industry, Nature and Liminality in the Eighteenth-Century English Ornamental Dairy , Ashlee Whitaker

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Navajo Baskets and the American Indian Voice: Searching for the Contemporary Native American in the Trading Post, the Natural History Museum, and the Fine Art Museum , Laura Paulsen Howe

And there were green tiles on the ceiling , Jean Catherine Richardson

Four Greco-Roman Era Temples of Near Eastern Fertility Goddesses: An Analysis of Architectural Tradition , K. Michelle Wimber

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

The Portrait of Citizen Jean-Baptiste Belley, Ex-Representative of the Colonies by Anne-Louis Girodet Trioson: Hybridity, History Painting, and the Grand Tour , Megan Marie Collins

Fix , Kathryn Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

Ideals and Realities , Pamela Bowman

Accountability for the Implementation of Secondary Visual Arts Standards in Utah and Queensland , John K. Derby

The Artistic and Architectural Patronage of Countess Urraca of Santa María de Cañas: A Powerful Aristocrat, Abbess, and Advocate , Julia Alice Jardine McMullin

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333 Art Research Paper Topics & Ideas

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  • Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
  • Icon Page 2457 words
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Art research paper topics cover a fascinating field, where numerous themes range from the study of specific artistic movements, periods, and styles to investigations into the socio-political context of art, including the use of new technologies in contemporary artistic practices. Various topics may explore the complexities of abstract expressionism, the intricacies of Renaissance art, or the cultural implications of street art. People may delve into the controversial world of art forgery, the influence of digital media on traditional art, or the role of women in the art world. Art from non-Western traditions, such as African or Asian art, offers many research possibilities. Moreover, cross-disciplinary subjects, like psychology of art, art therapy, or art in education, hold a valid potential. With such a broad study spectrum, art research paper topics provide a rich canvas for exploration, enabling scholars to gain a deeper understanding of human expression across cultures and throughout history.

Top Art Research Paper Topics

  • Artistic Influence in the Renaissance Period
  • Bauhaus Movement: An Aesthetic Revolution
  • Comparative Study of Western and Eastern Art Traditions
  • Symbolism in Gothic Architecture
  • Cubism: A Disruptive Force in Art History
  • Expressionism and Its Emotional Depth
  • Influence of Digital Media on Contemporary Art
  • Feminism’s Resonance in Modern Art
  • Unraveling the Mysteries of Abstract Art
  • Exploring the Philosophy of Surrealism
  • Photography as a Form of Artistic Expression
  • Conceptual Art and Its Critics
  • Artistic Representations of War and Conflict
  • Iconography in Byzantine Art
  • Origins and Transformations of Street Art
  • Pop Art: Critique or Celebration of Consumer Culture?
  • Art Conservation Techniques and Challenges
  • Cultural Representation in Prehistoric Art
  • Art Market Dynamics in the 21st Century
  • Understanding the Subversiveness of Dada Art

Art Research Paper Topics & Ideas

Simple Art Research Paper Topics

  • Understanding Pointillism and Its Influence
  • Modernist Art: An Overview
  • Impressionism: Capturing Light and Moment
  • The Power of Portraiture in Art
  • A Glimpse Into the World of Sculpture
  • Unraveling the Intricacies of Calligraphy
  • Street Art: A Modern Phenomenon
  • Pop Art: Its Definition and Key Figures
  • Exploring the Art of Collage
  • Cubism: Breaking Down Traditional Forms
  • Oil Painting Techniques Throughout History
  • Watercolor: An Art Form Through the Ages
  • Frescoes: A Brief History and Technique
  • Art Nouveau: Characteristics and Key Artists
  • Expressionism: An Emotional Art Form
  • Exploration of Abstract Art Concepts
  • Art of Caricature: Humor in Visual Form
  • Artistic Influence of Surrealism
  • Graffiti: Street Art or Vandalism?

Interesting Art Research Paper Topics

  • Minimalism: The Power of Simplicity in Art
  • Fashion Illustration: A Creative Dialogue
  • Animation: Art in Motion
  • Exploring the Styles of Japanese Manga Art
  • Artificial Intelligence in the World of Art Creation
  • Film: Visual Storytelling as an Art
  • Analyzing the Use of Metaphors in Visual Art
  • Unraveling the Mysteries of Symbolism in Art
  • Digital Art: The Impact of Technology on Creativity
  • Psychedelic Art: A Window Into the Subconscious Mind
  • Mural Art and Community Expression
  • Emotional Response Triggered by Abstract Expressionism
  • Cultural Differences Reflected in Indigenous Art
  • Art Therapy: Healing Through Creation
  • Video Game Design: Art, Aesthetics, and Interaction
  • Body Art and Tattoos: A Cultural Perspective
  • Exploration of Artistic Activism
  • Art Market: Valuing Creativity and Aesthetics
  • Comparison of Eastern and Western Art Styles

Modern Art Research Topics

  • Decoding Cubism: Understanding Picasso and Braque
  • Surrealism: An Investigation Into the World of Dreams
  • Expressionism: Manifestation of Emotions in Modern Art
  • Analyzing Futurism: Speed, Technology and the Modern World
  • Exploring Dadaism: A Reaction to World War I
  • Conceptual Art: Ideas Over Aesthetics
  • Postmodern Art: Challenging Modernist Authority
  • Cybernetic Art: Intersection of Art and Technology
  • Street Art: An Unconventional Modern Canvas
  • Visual Culture and Gender in Modern Art
  • Digital Media’s Influence on Contemporary Art Practices
  • Art Installations: An Environment-Based Interpretation of Modern Art
  • Transformative Aspects of Performance Art
  • Appropriation in the Postmodern Art
  • Bauhaus Movement: Revolutionizing Art and Design
  • Abstract Expressionism: Freedom in Large-Scale Canvas
  • Study of Neo-Dada and Its Reflection on Society
  • Hyperrealism: The Imitation Game in Modern Art
  • Understanding the Pop Art Movement
  • Exploration of Minimalism: Art in Reduction

Art Research Topics on Ancient Civilizations

  • Egyptian Art: Symbolism and the Afterlife
  • Influence of Art on the Mayan Civilization
  • Decoding Symbols in Aztec Art
  • Analysis of Frescoes in Ancient Crete
  • Sculptural Art of the Ancient Greeks
  • Artistic Representation in Roman Architecture
  • Aesthetic Principles of Persian Art
  • Art in the Indus Valley Civilization
  • Carving Traditions in Ancient Polynesia
  • Unraveling the Art of the Ancient Incas
  • Exploring the Artistic Styles of Ancient Mesopotamia
  • Bronze Age Art in Scandinavia
  • Hellenistic Influence on Roman Art
  • Visual Narratives in Chinese Tomb Art
  • Art and Hieroglyphics in Ancient Egypt
  • Religious Influence on Byzantine Mosaics
  • Depiction of Gods in Ancient Hindu Art
  • Iconography in Ancient Celtic Art
  • Minoan Culture: Art and Archaeology

Artist Biography Research Topics

  • Vincent Van Gogh: A Life in Art
  • Artistic Vision of Leonardo da Vinci
  • Pablo Picasso: Cubism and Beyond
  • Exploration of Frida Kahlo’s Works
  • Salvador Dali: Surrealism Personified
  • Career Analysis of Rembrandt van Rijn
  • Personal Experiences in Georgia O’Keeffe’s Art
  • M.C. Escher: Master of Impossible Spaces
  • Depictions of Reality in Caravaggio’s Works
  • Life and Art of Claude Monet
  • Henri Matisse: The Joy of Fauvism
  • Artistic Innovations of Wassily Kandinsky
  • El Greco: Fusion of Byzantine and Western Art
  • Unraveling the Mysteries of Bosch’s Paintings
  • Paul Gauguin: From Paris to Tahiti
  • Exploring the Abstract Universe of Jackson Pollock
  • Journey through the Impressionism of Renoir
  • Analysis of Edward Hopper’s American Realism
  • Michelangelo’s Contribution to the Renaissance Art
  • The Life and Art of Auguste Rodin

Art Research Topics in Different Epochs

  • Baroque Art: Drama and Grandeur
  • Defining Characteristics of Romanticism in Art
  • Gothic Art: From Architecture to Illuminated Manuscripts
  • Byzantine Art and Its Cultural Significance
  • Transition Into Renaissance: A Shift in Artistic Style
  • Exploring Mannerism: Between Renaissance and Baroque
  • Art Deco: Elegance and Technological Progress
  • Impressionism: More than Light and Momentary Impressions
  • Abstract Expressionism: Freedom of Expression in Art
  • Fauvism: Bold Colors and Simplified Designs
  • Cubism: Changing Perspectives in Art
  • Surrealism: Unleashing the Power of the Unconscious
  • Art Nouveau: Nature in the Urban Environment
  • Pop Art: The Intersection of Art and Popular Culture
  • Neoclassicism: Rebirth of Ancient Traditions
  • Dada: An Art Movement of Protest
  • Expressionism: Emotions Over Realistic Representation
  • Futurism: Embracing the Energy of the Future
  • Post-Impressionism: Beyond the Limitations
  • Art of the Middle Ages: A Spiritual Journey

Compelling Renaissance Art Research Topics

  • Da Vinci’s Innovations in Art and Science
  • Botticelli and the Visual Interpretation of Mythology
  • Michelangelo’s Sculptures: Unraveling the Human Form
  • Portrayal of Women in Renaissance Art
  • Patronage System and Its Influence on Renaissance Art
  • Influence of Humanism on Renaissance Art
  • Differences in Northern and Italian Renaissance Art
  • Iconography in the Work of Hieronymus Bosch
  • Religious Themes in Renaissance Art
  • Exploring Perspective in the Paintings of Masaccio
  • Contrasting the Early and High Renaissance
  • Titian’s Contribution to Venetian Renaissance Art
  • Anatomy in Art: Lessons from Leonardo da Vinci
  • Understanding Raphael’s Use of Composition
  • Interpreting Allegory in Renaissance Art
  • The Architecture of the Renaissance: Brunelleschi’s Innovations
  • Renaissance Artistic Techniques: Chiaroscuro and Sfumato
  • El Greco’s Unique Approach in the Late Renaissance
  • Petrarch’s Influence on Renaissance Artists

Fascinating Photography in Art Research Topics

  • Pictorialism: Bridging Painting and Photography
  • Candid Street Photography: Reflections of Urban Life
  • Ansel Adams and the Majesty of Nature
  • History of Photojournalism: Truth in Images
  • Understanding Photomontage: From Dada to Today
  • Andy Warhol’s Use of Photography in Art
  • Diane Arbus: Confronting Norms Through Portraiture
  • War Photography: Documenting Humanity’s Dark Side
  • Evolution of Fashion Photography
  • Cinematic Aesthetics in Contemporary Photography
  • Study of Abstract Photography
  • Cindy Sherman and the Art of Self-Portraiture
  • HDR Photography: Artistic Merits and Criticisms
  • Photography’s Role in Constructing Identity
  • Exploring Ethereal Quality in Surrealist Photography
  • Vivian Maier: The Mystery of the Nanny Photographer
  • Exploring the Ethnographic Photography of Edward Curtis
  • Magnum Photos: Power of Collective Photography
  • Color Theory in Photography

Art Research Topics in Architecture

  • Gothic Architecture: Symbolism and Interpretation
  • Modernism in Architectural Design: Case Studies
  • Sustainable Architecture: Ecological Design Principles
  • Neoclassical Structures: Harmony and Order
  • Frank Lloyd Wright and the Concept of Organic Architecture
  • Brutalist Architecture: Power and Materiality
  • Architectural Marvels of Ancient Rome
  • Islamic Architecture: Geometric Patterns and Spiritual Symbolism
  • Deconstructivism: Challenging Traditional Architecture
  • Feng Shui Principles in Eastern Architecture
  • Revival Architectural Styles: Romanticism and Identity
  • Digital Architecture: Advances and Implications
  • Critical Regionalism: Adapting Modernism to Local Contexts
  • Bauhaus Movement: Intersection of Art, Craft, and Technology
  • Architectural Acoustics: Sound Design in Concert Halls
  • Sacred Spaces: Religious Influence on Architecture
  • Adaptive Reuse in Architecture: Redefining Existing Structures
  • Biomimicry in Architecture: Inspiration From Nature
  • Futurist Architecture: Imagining the City of Tomorrow
  • Art Nouveau Architecture: Organic Forms and Decorative Detailing

Art Research Topics About Theater

  • Elizabethan Theater: Innovation and Influence
  • Brechtian Theatre: Alienation Effect and Its Significance
  • Musical Theatre: Fusion of Art Forms
  • Greek Tragedy: Power and Catharsis
  • Commedia Dell’arte: Improvisation and Character Masks
  • Kabuki Theatre: Cultural Symbolism in Japan
  • Shakespearean Plays: Intricate Character Analysis
  • Modernist Theatre: Interpretation and Vision
  • Noh Theatre: Minimalist Aesthetics and Spirituality
  • Symbolism in French Theater: Maeterlinck and Claudel
  • Realism in Ibsen’s Theater: Social Critique
  • Absurdist Drama: Beckett, Ionesco, and Pinter
  • Ancient Roman Theater: Performance and Spectacle
  • Black Theater Movement: Social Change and Expression
  • Postmodern Performance: Hybridity and Intertextuality
  • Theater of the Oppressed: Augusto Boal’s Revolutionary Technique
  • Puppet Theater: Artistry Beyond Actors
  • Theater Criticism: Methods and Perspectives
  • Contemporary Immersive Theater: Audience Participation

Art Research Topics for Different Cultures

  • African Art: Aesthetics and Meaning in Yoruba Sculpture
  • Japanese Art: Wabi-Sabi and the Beauty of Imperfection
  • Australian Indigenous Art: Symbols and Dreamtime Stories
  • Russian Avant-Garde: Transformation of Artistic Language
  • Middle Eastern Islamic Art: Geometry and Calligraphy
  • Native American Art: Symbolism and Spiritual Traditions
  • Cuban Art: Politics and Expression after the Revolution
  • Chinese Art: Brushwork in Traditional Ink Painting
  • Mexican Muralism: Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueiros
  • South Asian Art: The Divine in Hindu Iconography
  • Greek Art: Harmony and Proportions in Classical Sculpture
  • Polynesian Art: Tattoos and Cultural Identity
  • Art of Ancient Egypt: Ritual and the Afterlife
  • Korean Art: Celadon Ceramics and Buddhist Influence
  • European Medieval Art: Illuminated Manuscripts
  • Art of the Inuit: Life and Mythology in Sculpture
  • Brazilian Graffiti: Street Art as Political Commentary
  • Art of the Maori: Carving, Weaving, and Tattooing
  • Byzantine Art: Icons and Mosaics in Christian Worship
  • Modern Persian Art: Negotiating Tradition and Modernity

Art History Research Paper Topics

  • Artistic Paradigms in Late Antiquity: A Shift towards Christianity
  • Baroque Art: Caravaggio’s Naturalism and Dramatic Lighting
  • Impressionism: Monet’s En Plein Air Technique
  • Surrealism: Dali’s Dreamscapes and the Subconscious Mind
  • Postmodernism: Koons and the Commodification of Art
  • Abstract Expressionism: Pollock’s Action Painting
  • Cubism: Picasso’s Deconstruction of Form
  • Renaissance Humanism: Anatomy in Leonardo’s Drawings
  • Romanticism: Turner’s Sublime Landscapes
  • Neoclassicism: David’s Use of Greco-Roman Themes
  • Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: Rejection of Industrial Age Aesthetics
  • Art Nouveau: Mucha and the Integration of Art and Life
  • Fauvism: Matisse’s Bold Use of Color
  • German Expressionism: Kirchner’s Response to Urbanization
  • Dadaism: Duchamp’s Readymades and the Challenge to Artistic Convention
  • Pop Art: Warhol’s Reflections on Consumer Culture
  • Gothic Architecture: Chartres Cathedral’s Stained Glass
  • Arts and Crafts Movement: Morris’s Return to Handicrafts
  • Futurism: Boccioni’s Dynamism and the Machine Age

Art Therapy Research Topics

  • Art Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Creative Approach
  • Artistic Expression as a Coping Mechanism for Trauma Survivors
  • Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Art Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Art Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
  • Integrating Mindfulness Techniques in Art Therapy
  • Art Therapy in Pediatric Oncology: Aiding Expression and Understanding
  • Clinical Art Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Art Therapy Interventions for Individuals with Schizophrenia
  • Artistic Creation as a Medium for Self-Expression in Depression
  • Group Art Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Phototherapy: Exploring Personal Narratives through Photography
  • Art Therapy and Neurological Rehabilitation: A Stroke Case Study
  • Utilizing Art Therapy in Grief Counseling
  • Art Therapy as a Modality in the Treatment of Eating Disorders
  • Clinical Assessment through Art Therapy: Indicators and Interpretations
  • Sand Tray Therapy: A Nonverbal Therapeutic Approach
  • Expressive Art Therapy in Palliative Care: Enhancing Quality of Life
  • Biblio-Art Therapy: Integrating Literature in Therapeutic Practice
  • Virtual Reality and Art Therapy: Exploring New Horizons
  • Holistic Healing: Integrating Yoga and Art Therapy

Pop Art Research Topics

  • Andy Warhol: King of Pop Art
  • Consumerism in Pop Art: A Critical Analysis
  • Exploring Roy Lichtenstein’s Comic Strip Aesthetics
  • Pop Art and Its Reflection on Post-War Culture
  • Influence of Media and Advertising on Pop Art
  • Cultural Shifts Reflected in 1960s Pop Art
  • Pop Art and Its Interpretation of Femininity: Analysis of Works
  • Exploring Pop Art’s Impact on Fashion
  • British Pop Art: Distinct Features and Notable Artists
  • From Collage to Canvas: Techniques of Pop Art
  • How Pop Art Challenged Traditional Fine Art Values
  • Japanese Pop Art: Influence of Manga and Anime
  • Pop Art and Political Commentary: Works of Richard Hamilton
  • The Use of Irony and Parody in Pop Art
  • Crossover between Pop Art and Minimalism
  • Pop Art’s Influence on Music: Album Cover Designs
  • A Closer Look at Keith Haring’s Subway Drawings
  • Ed Ruscha and Pop Art Typography
  • Understanding Claes Oldenburg’s Soft Sculptures in Pop Art
  • Pop Art’s Impact on Modern and Contemporary Art

Visual Art Research Topics

  • Decoding Symbols in Medieval Visual Art
  • Concepts of Beauty in Renaissance Visual Art
  • Impressionism: Capturing the Moment in Visual Art
  • Street Art: Vandalism or Visual Culture?
  • Understanding Abstract Expressionism in Visual Art
  • Color Theory in Visual Art: A Comprehensive Study
  • Art Nouveau and its Influence on Visual Art
  • Depictions of War in Visual Art
  • Examining Surrealism in Visual Art
  • Cubism: Changing Perspectives in Visual Art
  • Visual Art in Advertising: An Analysis
  • Contemporary Visual Art: Trends and Techniques
  • Sculpture: 3D Perspectives in Visual Art
  • Depictions of Mythology in Visual Art
  • Bauhaus Movement and its Influence on Visual Art
  • Visual Art as a Tool for Social Commentary
  • Futurism: Anticipating the Future in Visual Art
  • Exploring Romanticism in Visual Art
  • Religious Iconography in Byzantine Visual Art

Classical Greek Art Research Topics

  • Classical Greek Sculpture: Aesthetic Analysis
  • Iconography in Classical Greek Vase Painting
  • Architectural Innovations of Classical Greek Temples
  • Classical Greek Art in the Context of Democracy
  • Mythology Depictions in Classical Greek Art
  • Mosaics and Frescoes: Detailed Examination of Classical Greek Mediums
  • Development of Human Figure Representation in Classical Greek Art
  • Classical Greek Theatre: An Artistic Perspective
  • Artistic Techniques Used in Classical Greek Coin Design
  • Classical Greek Art: An Inquiry Into Cultural Exchange
  • Metopes and Friezes: Sculptural Elements of Classical Greek Architecture
  • Gender Portrayal in Classical Greek Art
  • Classical Greek Art: Exploring Burial Customs
  • Artistic Conventions of Classical Greek Pottery
  • Aesthetic Values in Classical Greek Art: Detailed Analysis
  • Exploration of Classical Greek Military Art
  • Deciphering Messages in Classical Greek Art
  • Classical Greek Art: Analyzing Patterns and Motifs
  • Reflection of Philosophy in Classical Greek Art
  • Pediment Sculpture in Classical Greek Architecture

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thesis topics about art

Department of the History of Art

You are here, dissertations, completed dissertations.

1942-present

DISSERTATIONS IN PROGRESS

As of July 2023

Bartunkova, Barbora , “Sites of Resistance: Antifascism and the Czechoslovak Avant-garde” (C. Armstrong)

Betik, Blair Katherine , “Alternate Experiences: Evaluating Lived Religious Life in the Roman Provinces in the 1st Through 4th Centuries CE” (M. Gaifman)

Boyd, Nicole , “Science, Craft, Art, Theater: Four ‘Perspectives’ on the Painted Architecture of Angelo Michele Colonna and Agostino Mitelli” (N. Suthor). 

Brown, Justin , “Afro-Surinamese Calabash Art in the Era of Slavery and Emancipation” (C. Fromont)

Burke, Harry , “The Islands Between: Art, Animism, and Anticolonial Worldmaking in Archipelagic Southeast Asia” (P. Lee)

Chakravorty, Swagato , “Displaced Cinema: Moving Images and the Politics of Location in Contemporary Art” (C. Buckley, F. Casetti)

Chau, Tung , “Strange New Worlds: Interfaces in the Work of Cao Fei” (P. Lee)

Cox, Emily , “Perverse Modernism, 1884-1990” (C. Armstrong, T. Barringer)

Coyle, Alexander , “Frame and Format between Byzantium and Central Italy, 1200-1300” (R. Nelson)

Datta, Yagnaseni , “Materialising Illusions: Visual Translation in the Mughal Jug Basisht, c. 1602.” (K. Rizvi)

de Luca, Theo , “Nicolas Poussin’s Chronotopes” (N. Suthor)

Dechant, D. Lyle . ” ‘daz wir ein ander vinden fro’: Readers and Performers of the Codex Manesse” (J. Jung)

Del Bonis-O’Donnell, Asia, “Trees and the Visualization of kosmos in Archaic and Classical Athenian Art” (M. Gaifman)

Demby, Nicole, “The Diplomatic Image: Framing Art and Internationalism, 1945-1960” (K. Mercer)

Donnelly, Michelle , “Spatialized Impressions: American Printmaking Outside the Workshop, 1935–1975” (J. Raab)

Epifano, Angie , “Building the Samorian State: Material Culture, Architecture, and Cities across West Africa” (C. Fromont)

Fialho, Alex , “Apertures onto AIDS: African American Photography and the Art History of the Storage Unit” (P. Lee, T Nyong’o)

Foo, Adela , “Crafting the Aq Qoyuniu Court (1475-1490) (E. Cooke, Jr.)

Franciosi, Caterina , “Latent Light: Energy and Nineteenth-Century British Art” (T. Barringer)

Frier, Sara , “Unbearable Witness: The Disfigured Body in the Northern European Brief (1500-1620)” (N. Suthor)

Gambert-Jouan, Anabelle , “Sculpture in Place: Medieval Wood Depositions and Their Environments” (J. Jung)

Gass, Izabel, “Painted Thanatologies: Théodore Géricault Against the Aesthetics of Life” (C. Armstrong)

Gaudet, Manon , “Property and the Contested Ground of North American Visual Culture, 1900-1945” (E. Cooke, Jr.)  

Haffner, Michaela , “Nature Cure: ”White Wellness” and the Visual Culture of Natural Health, 1870-1930” (J. Raab)

Hepburn, Victoria , “William Bell Scott’s Progress” (T. Barringer)

Herrmann, Mitchell, “The Art of the Living: Biological Life and Aesthetic Experience in the 21st Century” (P. Lee)

Higgins, Lily , “Reading into Things: Articulate Objects in Colonial North America, 1650-1783” (E. Cooke, Jr.)

Hodson, Josie , “Something in Common: Black Art under Austerity in New York City, 1975-1990” (Yale University, P. Lee)

Hong, Kevin , “Plasticity, Fungibility, Toxicity: Photography’s Ecological Entanglements in the Mid-Twentieth-Century United States” (C. Armstrong, J Raab)

Kang, Mia , “Art, Race, Representation: The Rise of Multiculturalism in the Visual Arts” (K. Mercer)

Keto, Elizabeth , “Remaking the World: United States Art in the Reconstruction Era, 1861-1900.” (J. Raab)

Kim, Adela , “Beyond Institutional Critique: Tearing Up in the Work of Andrea Fraser” (P. Lee)

Koposova, Ekaterina , “Triumph and Terror in the Arts of the Franco-Dutch War” (M. Bass)

Lee, Key Jo , “Melancholic Materiality: History and the Unhealable Wound in African American Photographic Portraits, 1850-1877” (K. Mercer)

Levy Haskell, Gavriella , “The Imaginative Painter”: Visual Narrative and the Interactive Painting in Britain, 1851-1914” (T. Barringer, E. Cooke Jr)

Marquardt, Savannah, “Becoming a Body: Lucanian Painted Vases and Grave Assemblages in Southern Italy” (M. Gaifman)

Miraval, Nathalie , “The Art of Magic: Afro-Catholic Visual Culture in the Early Modern Spanish Empire” (C. Fromont)

Mizbani, Sharon , Water and Memory: Fountains, Heritage, and Infrastructure in Istanbul and Tehran (1839-1950) (K. Rizvi)

Molarsky-Beck, Marina, “Seeing the Unseen: Queer Artistic Subjectivity in Interwar Photography” (C. Armstrong)

Nagy, Renata , “Bookish Art: Natural Historical Learning Across Media in Seventeenth-century Northern Europe” (Bass, M)

Olson, Christine , “Owen Jones and the Epistemologies of Nineteenth-Century Design” (T. Barringer)

Petrilli-Jones, Sara , “Drafting the Canon: Legal Histories of Art in Florence and Rome, 1600-1800” (N. Suthor)

Phillips, Kate , “American Ephemera” (J. Raab)

Potuckova, Kristina , “The Arts of Women’s Monastic Liturgy, Holy Roman Empire, 1000-1200” (J. Jung)

Quack, Gregor , “The Social Fabric: Franz Erhard Walther’s Art in Postwar Germany” (P. Lee)

Rahimi-Golkhandan, Shabnam , “The Photograph’s Shabih-Kashi (Verisimilitude) – The Liminal Visualities of Late Qajar Art (1853-1911)” (K. Rizvi)

Rapoport, Sarah , “James Jacques Joseph Tissot in the Interstices of Modernity” (T. Barringer, C. Armstrong)

Riordan, Lindsay , “Beuys, Terror, Value: 1967-1979” (S. Zeidler)

Robbins, Isabella , “Relationality and Being: Indigeneity, Space and Transit in Global Contemporary Art” (P. Lee, N. Blackhawk)

Sen, Pooja , “The World Builders ” (J. Peters)

Sellati, Lillian , “When is Herakles Not Himself? Mediating Cultural Plurality in Greater Central Asia, 330 BCE – 365 CE” (M. Gaifman)

Tang, Jenny , “Genealogies of Confinement: Carceral Logics of Visuality in Atlantic Modernism 1930 – 1945” (K. Mercer)

Thomas, Alexandra , “Afrekete’s Touch: Black Queer Feminist Errantry and Global African Art”  (P. Lee)

Valladares, Carlos , “Jacques Demy” (P. Lee)

Verrot, Trevor , “Sculpted Lamentation Groups in the Late Medieval Veneto” (J. Jung)

Von-Ow, Pierre , Visual Tactics: Histories of Perspective in Britain and its Empire, 1670-1768.”  (T. Barringer)

Wang, Xueli , “Performing Disappearance: Maggie Cheung and the Off-Screen” (Q. Ngan)

Webley, John , “Ink, Paint, and Blood: India and the Great Game in Russian Culture” (T. Barringer, M. Brunson)

Werwie, Katherine , “Visions Across the Gates: Materiality, Symbolism, and Communication in the Historiated Wooden Doors of Medieval European Churches” (J. Jung)

Wisowaty, Stephanie , “Painted Processional Crosses in Central Italy, 1250-1400: Movement, Mediation and Multisensory Effects” (J. Jung)

Young, Colin , “Desert Places: The Visual Culture of the Prairies and the Pampas across the Nineteenth Century” (J. Raab)

Zhou, Joyce Yusi, “Objects by Her Hand: Art and Material Culture of Women in Early Modern Batavia (1619-1799) (M. Bass, E. Cooke, Jr.)

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Digital Commons @ USF > College of The Arts > School of Art and Art History > Theses and Dissertations

Art and Art History Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Fragmented Hours: The biography of a devotional book printed by Thielman Kerver , Stephanie R. Haas

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Assessing Environmental Sensitivity in San Diego County, California, for Bird Species of Special Concern , Eda Okan Kilic

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Empress Nur Jahan and Female Empowerment: A Critical Analysis of a Long-Forgotten Mughal Portrait , Angela N. Finkbeiner

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Seeing King Solomon through the Verses of Hafez: A Critical Study of Two Safavid Manuscript Paintings , Richard W. Ellis

Moving Away from The West or Taking Independent Positions: A Structural Analysis for The New Turkish Foreign Policy , Suleyman Senturk

A Quiet Valley at Roztoky : Testimony of Singularity in the Landscape Imagery of Zdenka Braunerová , Zdislava Ungrova

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Mirror Images: Penelope Umbrico’s Mirrors (from Home Décor Catalogs and Websites) , Jeanie Ambrosio

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Incongruous Conceptions: Owen Jones’s Plans, Elevations, Sections and Details of the Alhambra and British Views of Spain , Andrea Marie Johnson

An Alternative Ancien Régime? Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun in Russia , Erin Elizabeth Wilson

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Sarah Sze's "Triple Point": Modeling a Phenomenological Experience of Contemporary Life , Amanda J. Preuss

Cross-Cultural Spaces in an Anonymously Painted Portrait of the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II , Alison Paige Terndrup

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Choir Books of Santa Maria in Aracoeli and Patronage Strategies of Pope Alexander VI , Maureen Elizabeth Cox

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Painting Puertorriqueñidad: The Jíbaro as a Symbol of Creole Nationalism in Puerto Rican Art before and after 1898 , Jeffrey L. Boe

Franz Marc as an Ethologist , Jean Carey

Renegotiating Identities, Cultures and Histories: Oppositional Looking in Shelley Niro's "This Land is Mime Land" , Jennifer Danielle Mccall

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Empty Streets in the Capital of Modernity: Formation of Lieux de Mémoire in Parisian Street Photography From Daguerre to Atget , Sabrina Lynn Hughes

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Intervention in painting by Marlene Dumas with titles of engagement: Ryman's brides, Reinhardt's daughter and Stern , Susan King Klinkenberg

Self-fashioning, Consumption, and Japonisme : The Power of Collecting in Tissot’s Jeunes Femmes Regardant des Objets Japonais , 1869 , Catherine Elizabeth Turner

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Kandinsky’s Dissonance and a Schoenbergian View of Composition VI , Shannon M. Annis

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Re-Thinking the Myth of Perugino and the Umbrian School: A Closer Look at the Master of the Greenville's Jonas Nativity Panel , Carrie Denise Baker

I'm Not Who I Was Then, Now: Performing Identity in Girl Cams and Blogs , Katherine Bzura

Manifestations of Ebenezer Howard in Disneyland , Michelle M. Rowland

The assimilation of the marvelous other: Reading Christoph Weiditz's Trachtenbuch (1529) as an ethnographic document , Andrea McKenzie Satterfield

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Rethinking the Monumental: The Museum as Feminist Space in the Sexual Politics Exhibition, 1996 , Devon P. Larsen

Vision and Disease in the Napoleonic Description de l’Egypte (1809-1828): The Constraints of French Intellectual Imperialism and the Roots of Egyptian Self-Definition , Elizabeth L. Oliver

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

The articulate remedies of Dolores Lolita Rodriguez , Hyatt Kellim Brown

Negotiating Artistic Identity through Satire: subREAL 1989-1999 , Anca Izabel Galliera

From Chapel to Chamber: Liturgy and Devotion in Lucantonio Giunta’s Missale romanum , 1508 , Lesley T. Stone

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Ensenada , Julia DeArriba-Montgomery

Threatening Skies , Brandon Dunlap

Apocalypth pentagram , Matthew Alan Guest

African Costume for Artists: The Woodcuts in Book X of Habiti antichi et moderni di tutto il mondo , 1598 , Laura Renee Herrmann

The Artist and Her Muse: a Romantic Tragedy about a Mediocre and Narcissistic Painter Named Rachel Hoffman , Rachel Gavronsky Hoffman

Procession: The Celebration of Birth and Continuity , I Made Jodog

The Thornton Biennial: The Kruszka Pavilion: The 29YR Apology , Ethan Kruszka

american folk , Preston Poe

A Simple Treatise on the Origins of Cracker Kung Fu Or Mai Violence , Mark Joseph Runge

"My Journey" , Douglas Smith

Twilight , Britzél Vásquez

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Art History Thesis Topics: 315 Enticing Ideas

Art History Thesis Topics

Art history entails the study of Art from the ancient era to the present, including cultural ideals, aesthetics, philosophies, and techniques related to Art. People have been immersing themselves in various forms of Art for centuries. As a result, there are a plethora of topics in art history. These topics are the perfect blend of themes and influences. However, it is no surprise that even after these countless research areas, students still need help to choose their topic.

Choosing the right topic is essential for securing top scores. On the contrary, a topic that isn’t worth researching can cost you time, energy, and, most importantly, your grades. Thus, to help students, we have researched some of the most exciting art history thesis topics. Below is a list of some excellent thesis topics that have been thoroughly categorized according to different research areas in art history.

Table of Contents

Essential Suggestions to Choose Excellent Topic

Students can choose their art history topics based on a specific notion, country, or geographic area in mind. According to our expert writers, the ideal topic for a student should be based on a particular form of Art, an artist, or different interpretations of the style.

  • Historical periods such as the medieval, Renaissance, and Hellenistic periods are brilliant areas to study the different artistic activities in those times.
  • Key organizing notions and stylistic characteristics, such as Mannerism, Gothicism, and Modernism, can also be an exciting art thesis topic.
  • Specific groupings of artists can sometimes give rise to excellent art history paper topics relating to artistic and philosophical inclinations known as “movements” or “genres.” These include Fauvism, Bauhaus, and Postmodernism.
  • Materials such as porcelain or bronze and specialized methods like fresco, watercolor, or engraving are potentially fruitful study fields in art history. Combining these artistic materials and styles of a particular period or location is the ideal approach to creating the most brilliant topics for all times.
  • Another important aspect of framing the best art history topic is using a particular period, location, or artist or practitioner as your topic. An example of such a topic can be Mexico’s women photographers during the late 80s or a comparative analysis of the graffiti art of Los Angeles or New York City.

Art History Thesis Topics

Art history topics provide students with a brilliant opportunity to dive deeper into the world of Art. You get to study an array of enticing concepts revolving around the history of the arts. However, even after the endless list of unique paper ideas, it is no surprise that students still have difficulty selecting their “perfect” topic. Students prefer taking  paper writing help from trustworthy writers at Edumagnate.com. Additionally, we’ve enumerated some unique art history paper topics to help and inspire students to deliver an excellent thesis.

Riveting Modern Art Topics for Art History

Modern Art brings innovation to existing styles, forms, and movements. It has played a significant role in replacing traditional forms of Art by experimenting with shapes, lines, texture, and colors. Writing a thesis from this era would give you a thrilling experience filled with exciting facts and breathtaking art forms. Here are some of the best art history topics based on Modern Art:

  • Modern Art from the late 19th century
  • A comparative analysis of classical versus modern Art
  • Milton Avery, the American modernist painter
  • Modern Art and   Desublimation
  • Gustav Klimt’s eclectic style in “The Kiss.”
  • Essential archives of Modern Art
  • A critical review of the effects of globalization on the modern art movements
  • The modern arts in Europe: an overview
  • Contemporary Art in Zimbabwe
  • The European influence on modern Art on American artists
  • Caricatures’ Representation of Contemporary Society
  • Urban Street Art: The Mysteries of Banksy’s Paintings
  • Impressionism vs. Cubism: A Comparative Analysis

Read Also – Sociology Research Topic Ideas

Art History Thesis Topics from the Middle Ages

Art history from this epoch amazes everyone who wants to dig deeper into the interesting facts and theories related to this period. So, if you also enjoy such topics, this section of art history thesis topics on the medieval era might be intriguing to you:

  • The recent advancements in the artwork of Raphael
  • Critical art history and medieval art literature
  • The representation of humanist ideas in the Art of the medieval era
  • Frida Kahlo and her creative works in the 20th century
  • Mogul paintings: an overview
  • The secrets and mysteries associated with the Mona Lisa
  • A closer look at Da Vinci’s masterpieces
  • Gothic and International Gothic artworks
  • A critical analysis of medieval and modern art history
  • Elements of Gothic Art
  • Discrimination against women in medieval art history
  • Gothic Art in the medieval era
  • The greatest Russian medieval painters of all time
  • History of photography
  • The astonishing Art of the Mughal empire
  • Evolution of paintings from an art history perspective

Ancient Civilization Art History Thesis Topics

An ancient civilization is considered the cradle of arts. It’s a time of mysteries and secrets. Some artists still draw inspiration from famous ancient artworks. This research section will allow you to dig deeper into the spirits of an ancient civilization. Selecting a topic from this list will help you capture the essence of Art in its raw form. If you want to dig deeper into the field of ancient civilization, here are some inspiring topics for you:

  • The Design and Significance of Cartouche in Ancient Egyptian Art
  • Mexico’s women photographers during the late 80s
  • The Secrets Behind the Art and Architecture of ancient Rome
  • The Art of Mesopotamia: Facts and Trends
  • Artifact Study Reveals Ancient Chinese Culture Characteristics
  • The Sculpture of Mesopotamia
  • Chinese Ritual of Bronzes in Ancient China
  • The hidden connection between the Egyptian and Mayan pyramids?
  • The Secret Facts and Mysteries of Mesoamerican Pyramids
  • Early Art in Hinduism
  • How Ancient Civilizations Prepared their Way for Modern Art
  • Scythian Art Masterpieces: An Overview
  • Religion and Culture in Aztec Art
  • Traditional Japanese costumes: an overview
  • An Introduction to Sumerian Art and Culture
  • Ancient Egyptian Funerary Arts
  • Traditional Chinese Costumes
  • The attributes of Minoan Fresco Paintings
  • A comparative analysis between the Celtic art styles of Hallstatt and LA Tene
  • The Development of Art in Asia
  • The Art of Classical Greece
  • A detailed analysis of the artworks of ancient civilization
  • Myths and artworks from the ancient civilization
  • Music of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt
  • The ancient heritage spread during the Renaissance
  • A detailed study on the Mayan tribes: ancient American civilization
  • The Art of the Amarna period in Egypt

Read Also – 120+ Geology Research Topics to Get You Started

Ancient Greek Art History Topics for Thesis

  • The influence of ancient Greek theatre on modern theatre
  • The secrets and mysteries behind the architecture and Art of ancient Greece
  • Artistic production in Ancient Greece
  • Poetry in ancient Greece
  • Polykleitos: The Ancient Greek Sculptor
  • Development of Art in ancient Greece
  • Ancient Greek artistic culture during the Archaic
  • Inclusion of fresco paintings on ancient Greek structures
  • The significant components of ancient Greek and ancient Roman Art
  • The significance of pottery and vases in Ancient Greek Art

Art History Topics on Artist Bibliographies

When framing a brilliant research paper, nothing could be better than analyzing the life and works of a prominent personality. You get to analyze their personal and professional lives, their struggles, successes, and downfalls all at the same time. Through the following art history thesis ideas, you will dig deeper into the lives of some of the most influential artists in the art world.

Influential Artists from the 18th Century

  • William Blake: A Misunderstood Poet, Visionary, and Artist
  • Madame Tussaud’s Long-Lasting Influence on Art
  • The Life and Career of William Turner
  • Mikhail Lomonosov and His Influence on Science, Education, and Literature
  • Francisco de Goya: Creating Art That Changed the World
  • The masterpieces of Katsushika Hokusai.
  • Francisco Goya, who composed the prominent black paintings
  • Marie Tussaud, the French modeler who founded the wax museum
  • Exploring the lives of Jacques-Louis David, the finest artist of the 18th century
  • The contribution of Eugène Delacroix to the development of Modern Art
  • The life of J.M.W. Turner: the magnificent painter and poet
  • An introduction to the life of the French painter, Eugène Delacroix
  • The Life and Works of John Constable
  • Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres: an overview.

Influential Artists from the 19th Century

  • Gustav Klimt: The Master of Symbolism
  • Claude Manet as a Symbol of Impressionism
  • Adolf Menzel and the German Realist Art Period
  • Vincent Van Gogh: The Forgotten Genius
  • Paul Cezanne and a Shift to 20th-Century Art
  • Auguste Renoir, the only surviving Impressionist,
  • Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Innovative Elements and Principles of Art
  • Claude Monet: the painter of light and color
  • Weird Facts About Vincent Willem Van Gogh
  • Alfred Sisley: the most consistent Impressionists

Influential Artists from the 20th Century

  • Frida Khalo was a Mexican painter inspired by Mexican artifacts and nature.
  • Surrealism through magical realism in Frida Kahlo’s work
  • The Art of Pablo Picasso
  • Salvador Dali’s Surreal World,
  • Andy Warhol, a key player in the Pop Art Movement
  • Louise Bourgeois and the Origins of Installation Art in Europe
  • Cultural Appropriations and Identificatory in Emily Carr’s Work
  • The American Pop Art King, Andy Warhol
  • Louise Bourgeois, a pioneer of abstract sculpture and installation art
  • The Face of Abstract Expressionism, Jackson Pollock
  • The mother of American modernism, Georgia O’Keeffe
  • Judy Chicago is a feminist artist, educator, and writer.
  • Marcel Duchamp: Conceptual Art, Dada, and Cubism

Read Also – 100+ Anthropology Research Paper Topics

Art History Thesis Topics for Different Epochs

Every creative era introduces fresh ideas to the field of Art. These are the different stylistic trends, the predominating artistic movement, and the methods employed by artists. You may discover a vast array of distinctive artistic and literary styles, techniques, and subjects, as well as all the significant artists who employed them, by concentrating on a particular creative era in the history of Art. Here are a few eras and associated subjects you can pick from.

18th Century

  • Influence and Contributions of Denis Diderot’s French Art Criticism
  • A Synopsis of Eugene Delacroix’s Career
  • How the Culture of Neoclassicism Combines Old and New Ideas
  • The Relationship Between the Industrial Revolution and Art Development
  • The Late Baroque Style in Architecture
  • Art in the Baroque epoch
  • The First Vienna School’s Most Notable Alumni Association
  • A detailed analysis of the designs of Rococo and Baroque
  • The Rococo Style in Interior Design
  • Marquis de Sade’s Influence on 18th-Century Literature
  • The Characteristics of the Baroque Complex Style

19th Century

  • From a Discarded to a Great Artist: A critical analysis of the life of Edouard Manet
  • Exposing the Connection Between Goya’s Prints and 19th-century French Caricatures
  • Art and education for women in the 19th century
  • The Victorian Beauty Codes and How They Were Reflected in Art
  • The essence of Giovanni Strazza’s “the veiled virgin” carving
  • Why was Paul Gauguin’s artwork called savage?
  • Analysis of “Sunrise” by Claude Monet
  • What Made “The Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh So Famous Worldwide?
  • Francisco de Goya’s Paintings and Their Significance in Art History
  • Analyzing Edgar Degas’s Famous Dancer Paintings: Capturing the Movement

20th Century

  • The Basic and Advanced Principles of Futurism Under a Magnifying Glass
  • The Symbolism in Frida Kahlo’s Paintings
  • Pushing the Boundaries: Jackson Pollock’s Special Approach to Making Art
  • The Impact of Kazimir Malevich on the Evolution of Abstract Art
  • The Expressionist Elements Prominent in Edvard Munch’s Works
  • Dali’s Art: An Examination of Consciousness and Dreams
  • Abstract Expressionism’s Distinctive Methods
  • The Reconciliation or War Between the Styles in Gustav Klimt’s Work
  • How cultural attitudes influenced pop art and the use of familiar objects in Art
  • What Makes the Best Concept Art Pieces Unique?
  • Baroque art and architecture movements
  • The Key Artists and Paintings of the Baroque Period
  • Philosemitism in the Baroque Period
  • Art and architecture in the Baroque Period
  • A comparative analysis of the Baroque and Rococo stylistic periods
  • Gender portrayals in the Baroque Period

Romanticism

  • Artistic, literary, and musical Romanticism
  • Sublime Art in the 19th Century
  • 19th-Century Romantic Aesthetics
  • Romanticism in 20th-Century Literature
  • The social influence of literary and artistic Romanticism
  • Romanesque Art and architecture
  • The artistic culture of the Romanticism and Positivism eras
  • The roots of Romanticism
  • The correlation between Romanticism and gender
  • Understanding Romanticism as an anthology

Best Art History Topics from Various Cultures

Writing a thesis based on the different cultures around the world isn’t a challenging task. Once you’ve decided on a topic, you can find many credible resources and information on any culture. So, here are some of the best ideas about different cultures worldwide.

  • Art in the Renaissance Period
  • The Cultural Legacy of African Americans and Their Contribution to Modern American Art
  • How Iranian Culture is Reflected in Iranian Cinema
  • “The Holy Virgin Mary” by Chris Ofili
  • Discuss Islamic arts in ancient Africa.
  • The importance of Art for ritual life in Africa
  • The evolution of Art in the Hellenistic period
  • Art and socio-politics in Africa
  • War Dance as a Cross-Cultural Phenomenon
  • The Nubian Pyramids at Meroe
  • Analyze modern Art in Zimbabwe.
  • Art in Tanzania: a critical analysis
  • Strangers in African Art
  • Origin and development of Art in India
  • Paul Gauguin and savagery
  • Dance as a Cross-Cultural Form of Art
  • The Styles, Materials, and Cultural Origins of Japanese Calligraphy
  • A detailed analysis of the prehistoric Art of Europe
  • Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Music and Dance
  • “Origin of the World” by Gustave Courbet
  • Textile and Fashion of Nomadic Asian Tribes
  • Buddhist Art in India
  • Art in the Mannerism period
  • The tribal icons of African Art
  • Marcel Duchamp as a controversial artist
  • Arts and culture in India
  • Yoko Ono as the controversial and groundbreaking artist
  • Modern Dance Styles and Their Origins
  • The Unique Features and Styles Found in the Hindi Film Industry
  • Performance art in China

Read Also – 180+ Immigration Research Topics

Art History Thesis Topics Based on Impressionism

Impressionism was a significant movement in the 19th century. This style gave birth to the artistic style of capturing the moment, feeling, or experience, especially in its changing effects of light and color. Check out these excellent art history paper topics and pick the best one.

  • The origins of impressionism
  • How Impressionism Modified the Foundational Concepts of Art
  • Monet and Manet’s Views of Nature
  • Art and modernity in impressionism
  • The life of Claude Manet: the founder of impressionism
  • Edgar Degas and His Ballet Dancers’ Social Impact
  • The French Impressionists: Changing the Face of Art
  • Impressionist Auguste Renoir: The Final Representative of Impressionism
  • The Ancient Culture of Art
  • Rococo interior design
  • Cubism vs. Impressionism: A Comparative Analysis
  • Different approaches to impressionism used by the pioneers or artists
  • The impact of impressionism on the hierarchy of arts
  • Influence of impressionism in Japan
  • An overview of the impressionist art movements
  • Impressionism and post-impressionism
  • Critical changes in painting techniques occurred throughout the impressionist era.
  • Differences between impressionism and realism
  • Why Canon and Traditions Were Against Impressionism
  • The impact of the sketch-like appearance

Art History Topics Based on the Renaissance

Researching and writing about Renaissance-related art history topics will be challenging. However, you must know that these research topics are trendy among professors and students. Could you give it a try?

  • The anatomy of the human figure in Art
  • Discuss the strange altarpieces of the Renaissance era.
  • Discuss the concept of humanism.
  • A thorough examination of rationality throughout the Renaissance
  • Realism throughout the Renaissance.
  • Fresco cycles: an overview
  • The evolution of secularism over the years
  • The role of light in paintings
  • A detailed examination of linear perspective
  • Landscape in Renaissance art

Topics for Art History Based on Photography

Yes, photography is also an art form—a visual art form, to be precise. This field of Art can capture emotions, moments, and perspectives. If you are interested in this field.

  • Using lighting for photography strategically
  • The history of photography
  • Camera Obscura: The First Ancestor of Modern Photography
  • The influence of digital evolution on photography
  • Remark on three of the most well-known photographers’ artistic expressions.
  • Documenting the artist’s vision on camera
  • The Problems with Lenses and the 19th-century Solution
  • A detailed study on the social impact and significance of war photography during wars
  • How photography transformed Art
  • About Vivian Maier Mysteries: The Secret Archives of Her Street Photography
  • Timing and framing strategies
  • The History of Photography through centuries
  • Do photos qualify as Art?
  • Ansel Adams’s role in associating photography with the fine arts
  • The many lighting options in a picture studio
  • Is war photography an artistic medium?
  • The significance of architecture and photography in the modern age
  • Using images to convey emotions
  • The career and life of Alfred Stieglitz
  • The Role of Photography in films
  • Self-portrait photography: beyond the selfies

Art History Thesis Topics Based on Architecture

Given how the present technology boom influences every element of our lives and the necessity for in-depth research, architecture is a crucial and timely field. It is one of the oldest forms of Art in global history. Check out the following art history thesis topics on architecture:

  • Denis Abbey Church’s significance for Gothic design
  • The significance of architecture in ancient times
  • The significance of Art in architecture in the ancient era
  • Politics and women’s positions in Ancient Rome’s architecture
  • Constructivism in architecture
  • Neoclassical Architecture
  • The main trends and styles in 20th-century architecture
  • The secrets behind the architecture in ancient Rome
  • The elements of Gothic architecture
  • The impact of Roman architecture on modern designs
  • A comparative analysis between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?
  • The Late Baroque Architecture
  • Greek architecture in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles: a comparative analysis
  • A detailed analysis of the late Gothic arts and architecture
  • The late Baroque architecture
  • What was the influence of eastern Art and designs on western architecture?
  • The impact of constructivism on architecture
  • Ancient and modern architecture: an overview
  • History of Indian architecture
  • Influence of Islamic architecture on western architecture
  • The great mysteries of the pyramid construction
  • An introduction to indigenous African architecture

Art History Paper Topics for Theatre

During ancient times, watching the theatre was one of the people’s most important forms of entertainment. Through time, the theater has significantly evolved to become a constant source of entertainment for us. Theater helps us gain perspective on the outside world, understand different cultures, and much more. Go through the following topics and pick out the best for you:

  • Greek theatre in the ancient times
  • Understanding theatre as an art
  • The history of Greek theatre
  • A handbook on the impact of ancient Greek theatre on the modern one
  • Contribution of William Shakespeare to British Drama and Theatre
  • A comparative analysis of the Elizabethan theatre and the modern theatre
  • Understanding the Theater of the Absurd about “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett
  • The history of Broadway musicals and theatres
  • How did theatre evolve in ancient times?
  • Theater as a force for social and cultural evolution

Final Words

Art is considered one of the vast fields that offer students an endless amount of topics to research. There needs to be more ground to cover, which makes it challenging for students to choose the right art topic and frame their thesis. For your help, our writers have thoroughly enumerated these unique and exciting topics. Our significant goal is to mentor or guide students and help them with their academic curricula. Our thesis help services are to free students from their academic problems; for that, we are available round-the-clock. This post will allow you to find the perfect topic and start your writing journey.

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By Alex Brown

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Art History Research Paper Topics

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Dive into the vibrant world of art history research paper topics through this meticulously curated guide, tailored for students immersed in studying history and tasked with crafting a research paper. The guide commences with a comprehensive list of 100 intriguing topics, segmented into ten well-defined categories, serving as an invaluable source of inspiration. Further guidance on how to select an art history research paper topic is provided, along with practical insights into the crafting of an exceptional art history research paper. The guide transitions into presenting the specialized writing services offered by iResearchNet, enabling students to commission custom art history research papers on any chosen topic.

100 Art History Research Paper Topics

Art history, as a field of study, covers thousands of years and countless cultures, offering an expansive array of topics for research papers. When embarking on an art history project, you can focus on certain eras, explore individual artists or art movements, investigate the role of art in specific cultures, or delve into the meanings behind specific pieces or collections. Below, we present a comprehensive list of art history research paper topics divided into ten major categories. Each topic is an invitation to dive into a unique aspect of art history and explore its significance in the global artistic landscape.

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Ancient Art

  • The Impact of Geography on Ancient Egyptian Art
  • Materials and Techniques in Ancient Greek Sculpture
  • Roman Architecture: Principles and Examples
  • Understanding the Art of the Ancient Maya Civilization
  • Development of Buddhist Art in Ancient India
  • Influence of Ancient Chinese Art on Later Dynasties
  • Ancient Persian Art and Its Impact on the Middle East
  • Representation of Deities in Ancient Egyptian Art
  • The Use of Color in Ancient Roman Frescoes
  • Comparative Analysis of Ancient Greek and Roman Sculpture

Medieval Art

  • Role of Art in Christian Worship in the Middle Ages
  • Gothic Architecture: Characteristics and Examples
  • The Influence of Islam on Medieval Art in Spain
  • The Evolution of Iconography in Medieval Paintings
  • Art as Propaganda in the Middle Ages
  • The Role of Women in Medieval Art and Society
  • Transition from Romanesque to Gothic Architecture
  • Analysis of Illuminated Manuscripts in the Medieval Period
  • The Influence of Byzantine Art on the Western Medieval Art
  • Representation of the Divine and Demonic in Medieval Art

Renaissance Art

  • Humanism and Its Impact on Renaissance Art
  • The Techniques of Leonardo da Vinci
  • The Role of Patronage in the Italian Renaissance
  • The Evolution of Self-Portraiture in the Renaissance
  • Comparison of Italian and Northern Renaissance Art
  • Michelangelo’s Influence on Art and Artists
  • Analysis of Female Figures in Renaissance Paintings
  • Use of Perspective in Renaissance Art
  • Interpretation of Mythology in Renaissance Art
  • Influence of Classical Antiquity on Renaissance Artists

Baroque and Rococo Art

  • Impact of the Counter-Reformation on Baroque Art in Italy
  • The Evolution of Landscape Painting in the Baroque Period
  • Use of Light in Caravaggio’s Paintings
  • Analysis of Rembrandt’s Portraiture
  • Comparison of French and Spanish Baroque Art
  • Women Artists of the Baroque Period
  • The Transition from Baroque to Rococo Art
  • Impact of Louis XIV’s Reign on French Art and Architecture
  • Rococo Art as a Reflection of Aristocratic Society
  • The Cultural and Artistic Influence of Versailles

Neoclassicism and Romanticism

  • Influence of Archaeological Discoveries on Neoclassical Art
  • Comparison of Neoclassicism and Romanticism
  • Exploration of the Sublime in Romantic Landscape Paintings
  • Impact of the French Revolution on Art
  • Analysis of David’s Oath of the Horatii
  • Romanticism and the Depiction of National Identity
  • Romantic Artists’ Fascination with the Exotic and the Orient
  • The Role of Women Artists in the Romantic Period
  • Neoclassical Architecture in Europe and America
  • Depiction of Mythology in Romantic Art

Modern Art Movements

  • Impressionism and the Art of Life
  • The Influence of Japanese Art on Vincent Van Gogh
  • Symbolism in Edvard Munch’s The Scream
  • Pablo Picasso and the Evolution of Cubism
  • The Impact of WWI on the Artistic Movements of the 1920s
  • Surrealism: Dreams and the Unconscious
  • Political Messages in Diego Rivera’s Murals
  • Abstract Expressionism and the Sublime
  • Pop Art as a Reflection of Consumer Culture
  • Minimalism and the Idea of Less is More

Contemporary Art

  • Conceptual Art and the Importance of Ideas
  • The Role of Art in Critiquing Contemporary Society
  • Environmental Messages in Contemporary Art
  • Representation of Identity in Contemporary Art
  • Feminism and Contemporary Art
  • The Use of New Media in Contemporary Art
  • Installation Art and Audience Participation
  • Street Art and Its Role in Urban Spaces
  • The Influence of Globalization on Contemporary Art
  • Impact of Digital Technologies on Contemporary Art Practices

Non-Western Art

  • The Influence of African Art on Modernist Artists
  • Understanding Islamic Calligraphy
  • The Role of Art in Traditional African Societies
  • Traditional Japanese Ukiyo-e Prints
  • The Development of Indian Mughal Painting
  • The Role of Ancestors in Oceanic Art
  • Comparison of Traditional and Contemporary Native American Art
  • Indigenous Australian Art and Its Connection to the Land
  • Artistic Traditions of the Inuit
  • Symbolism in Persian Miniature Painting

Women in Art

  • Female Representation in Ancient Greek Art
  • Depictions of Women in Baroque Art
  • Women Artists of the Renaissance and Their Struggles
  • The Influence of Feminism on Contemporary Art
  • Exploration of Gender Roles through Art
  • Mary Cassatt and Her Influence on Impressionism
  • Frida Kahlo: An Icon of Feminism and Mexican Heritage
  • The Evolution of Female Nude in Art History
  • The Guerrilla Girls and Their Fight for Equality in the Art World
  • The Impact of Postmodernism on Feminist Art

Art Theory and Criticism

  • The Role of the Art Critic: From Clement Greenberg to Jerry Saltz
  • Postmodernism and the Death of the Author
  • Formal Analysis: Its Role and Importance
  • The Semiotics of Art: Signs and Symbols
  • Influence of Psychoanalytic Theory on Art Criticism
  • Iconology and the Hidden Meanings in Visual Art
  • Deconstruction and the Analysis of Art
  • Feminist Approaches to Art Criticism
  • Influence of Marxism on Art Theory and Criticism
  • The Impact of Postcolonial Theory on Art Criticism

Each category in this comprehensive list of art history research paper topics provides a wide range of subjects to explore. These diverse topics cater to various interests and offer a rich field for academic exploration. They each represent an invitation to delve deeper into the fascinating world of art history, offering you the opportunity to develop your understanding and share your unique perspective with others.

Art History and the Range of Research Paper Topics it Offers

Art history is an exceptionally broad field that spans thousands of years, multiple continents, countless cultures, and myriad forms of artistic expression. From the earliest cave paintings to contemporary digital art, the study of art history allows us to explore human history through the lens of visual culture. This piece explores the expanse of art history and the wide range of research paper topics it offers to students.

Art history is often compartmentalized into periods and styles, such as Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, Romantic, Modern, and Contemporary art. Each era has its distinct characteristics, historical context, and notable artists, providing a myriad of potential research topics. For instance, one could study the impact of the Counter-Reformation on Baroque art in Italy or analyze the evolution of self-portraiture during the Renaissance.

A profound understanding of these periods and styles can also pave the way to comparative studies, allowing for interesting contrasts and parallels to be drawn between different epochs or artistic movements. For example, contrasting the logical, reason-based approach of Neoclassicism with the emotion and individualism of Romanticism can lead to a rich analysis of cultural shifts during these times.

Moreover, art history offers ample scope for studying non-Western art. Researching non-Western artistic traditions—such as African art, Islamic calligraphy, Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, or Indigenous Australian art—provides not only aesthetic appreciation but also deeper insights into these cultures’ philosophies, social structures, and spiritual beliefs.

Art history is not just the study of “high art” or the art of the elite and educated classes. Folk art, outsider art, street art, and other forms of “low art” are equally valuable subjects of study. These genres often give voice to marginalized groups and offer valuable insights into popular culture and the concerns of the everyday people.

Another compelling avenue of research is the exploration of thematic elements in art history. These themes could range from the representation of women, the interpretation of mythology, the depiction of national identity, to the portrayal of the sublime in nature. Thematic studies often transcend the boundaries of period and style, making them an exciting approach for those interested in cross-cultural and transhistorical comparisons.

The study of individual artists and their oeuvre is yet another rich area of research in art history. Focusing on a single artist’s work can provide a microcosmic view of broader artistic, cultural, and social trends. A deep dive into the works of influential artists like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, or Frida Kahlo can reveal much about the time, place, and context in which they created their art.

Art history also encompasses the study of art theory and criticism, which could lead to engaging research on topics like the role of the art critic, the influence of psychoanalytic theory on art criticism, or the impact of postcolonial theory on art criticism.

Moreover, with the rise of new media and digital technologies, contemporary art offers a plethora of unique research areas. From conceptual art and installation art to digital art and virtual reality, these new forms of art reflect the changing world and often challenge traditional notions of what art can be.

Choosing a research topic in art history is a process of personal exploration. It involves identifying your interests, asking questions, and being willing to follow a path of inquiry wherever it may lead. It requires an openness to learning and discovery, a willingness to engage with different cultures and times, and an ability to appreciate different forms of artistic expression.

In conclusion, art history, as a field of study, offers an almost infinite range of potential research topics. Whether your interest lies in specific periods or styles, individual artists or movements, thematic elements or theoretical concerns, art history has something for everyone. Through studying art history and engaging in research, you can deepen your understanding of the world and your place in it, gaining insights that are both personally enriching and academically rewarding.

Choosing Art History Research Paper Topics

Choosing the right research paper topic is crucial in art history. It allows you to explore your interests, showcase your knowledge, and contribute to the field. This section provides expert advice on selecting art history research paper topics that are engaging, significant, and conducive to in-depth analysis.

  • Understand the Scope and Context : To choose an art history research paper topic, start by understanding the scope and context of the subject. Familiarize yourself with different art movements, periods, and regions. Consider the specific time period, artistic styles, cultural influences, and socio-political contexts that interest you.
  • Follow Your Passion : Passion is key when selecting a research paper topic. Identify aspects of art history that genuinely excite you. Whether it’s Renaissance art, modern sculpture, or ancient Egyptian paintings, selecting a topic that aligns with your interests will make the research process more enjoyable and rewarding.
  • Narrow Down the Focus : Art history is a vast field, so it’s important to narrow down your focus. Instead of choosing broad topics like “Renaissance art,” consider specific themes, artists, or art movements within that era. For example, you could explore the influence of Leonardo da Vinci’s techniques on Renaissance portraiture.
  • Conduct Preliminary Research : Before finalizing your topic, conduct preliminary research to ensure sufficient resources are available. Look for scholarly articles, books, museum catalogs, and online databases that provide relevant information and analysis. This step will help you determine if your chosen topic has enough material for a comprehensive research paper.
  • Analyze Existing Scholarship : Reviewing existing scholarship is crucial for identifying gaps in knowledge and potential research avenues. Read scholarly articles, dissertations, and books on art history topics related to your interests. This will help you develop a unique research question and contribute to the academic discourse.
  • Incorporate Interdisciplinary Approaches : Art history is an interdisciplinary field, so consider incorporating perspectives from other disciplines. Explore connections between art and politics, society, philosophy, or gender studies. This interdisciplinary approach will add depth and richness to your research paper.
  • Consult with Professors and Experts : Seek guidance from your professors or art history experts. They can provide valuable insights, suggest potential topics, and recommend relevant sources. Engage in discussions, attend lectures, and take advantage of their expertise to refine your research paper topic.
  • Brainstorm and Create a Shortlist : Brainstorm a list of potential art history research paper topics based on your interests, preliminary research, and consultations. Write down keywords, themes, and specific ideas that capture your attention. Then, narrow down the list to create a shortlist of the most compelling topics.
  • Consider Significance and Originality : Choose a topic that is both significant and original. Consider the broader implications of your research and how it contributes to the field of art history. Aim to uncover lesser-known artists, analyze understudied artworks, or challenge prevailing interpretations.
  • Refine and Finalize Your Topic : Refine your research topic based on the above considerations. Craft a clear and concise research question or thesis statement that guides your exploration. Ensure your topic is specific, manageable within the scope of your research paper, and aligned with the requirements of your assignment.

Selecting an art history research paper topic requires careful consideration and a balance between personal interest and academic significance. By understanding the scope, conducting preliminary research, and seeking expert guidance, you can choose a topic that allows you to delve into the fascinating world of art history and make a meaningful contribution to the field.

How to Write an Art History Research Paper

Writing an art history research paper requires a combination of critical analysis, research skills, and effective writing techniques. This section provides a comprehensive guide on how to write an art history research paper, from selecting a topic to organizing your findings and presenting a compelling argument.

  • Understand the Assignment : Start by understanding the requirements of your research paper assignment. Pay attention to the guidelines, word count, formatting style (e.g., MLA, APA), and any specific research questions or prompts provided by your instructor. This will help you structure your paper accordingly.
  • Choose a Compelling Topic : Select a research topic that aligns with your interests and offers ample opportunities for exploration. Refer to the expert advice section on choosing art history research paper topics for guidance. Ensure your topic is specific, manageable, and allows for in-depth analysis.
  • Conduct In-Depth Research : Gather relevant sources and conduct in-depth research on your chosen topic. Explore scholarly articles, books, museum catalogs, primary sources, and online databases. Take detailed notes, citing the sources properly, and keep track of key findings, arguments, and interpretations.
  • Develop a Thesis Statement : Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that presents the main argument or focus of your research paper. Your thesis should be debatable, supported by evidence, and guide the direction of your analysis. It is the foundation upon which your entire paper will be built.
  • Create an Outline : Outline your research paper to provide structure and organization. Divide your paper into sections, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section should address a specific aspect of your research, supporting your thesis statement and providing a logical flow of ideas.
  • Write a Compelling Introduction : Begin your research paper with an engaging introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and provides necessary background information. Clearly state your thesis statement and provide a brief overview of your research objectives, setting the tone for the rest of the paper.
  • Present Well-Structured Body Paragraphs : The body paragraphs of your research paper should present your analysis, evidence, and supporting arguments. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point, providing clear topic sentences and supporting evidence from your research. Use proper citations to credit your sources.
  • Analyze Artworks and Interpretations : Engage in critical analysis of artworks, considering their formal elements, stylistic features, cultural context, and historical significance. Compare and contrast different interpretations, theories, or scholarly viewpoints to develop a well-rounded analysis of your chosen topic.
  • Incorporate Visual Evidence : Include visual evidence in your research paper to enhance your analysis. Include high-quality images of artworks, architectural structures, or artifacts relevant to your topic. Label and refer to them in the text, providing insightful descriptions and analysis.
  • Craft a Strong Conclusion : End your research paper with a strong conclusion that summarizes your main arguments and restates your thesis statement. Reflect on the significance of your research findings, discuss any limitations or unanswered questions, and suggest avenues for further exploration.
  • Revise and Edit : After completing the initial draft, revise and edit your research paper for clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic standards. Check for grammatical errors, ensure proper citations, and refine your arguments for precision and conciseness.
  • Seek Feedback : Share your research paper with peers, professors, or mentors for feedback. Consider their suggestions and critique to improve the quality of your paper. Pay attention to clarity of expression, logical organization, and the strength of your argument.
  • Proofread and Format : Before submitting your research paper, thoroughly proofread it to eliminate any spelling, punctuation, or formatting errors. Ensure that your paper adheres to the required formatting style, including proper citations and a bibliography or works cited page.

Writing an art history research paper requires a combination of research skills, critical thinking, and effective writing techniques. By following these steps, you can create a well-structured and compelling research paper that showcases your understanding of art history, engages with scholarly discourse, and contributes to the field.

iResearchNet’s Writing Services

At iResearchNet, we understand the challenges faced by students when it comes to writing art history research papers. With our dedicated team of expert writers and comprehensive writing services, we are here to assist you throughout the research and writing process. Whether you need help selecting a topic, conducting in-depth research, or crafting a compelling argument, our services are designed to support your academic success. In this section, we will highlight the key features of iResearchNet’s writing services and demonstrate how we can be your trusted partner in art history research papers.

  • Expert Degree-Holding Writers : We take pride in our team of expert writers, who hold advanced degrees in art history and related disciplines. They have a deep understanding of the subject matter and possess the knowledge and expertise to handle a wide range of art history topics. Our writers are committed to delivering high-quality and well-researched papers that meet your academic requirements.
  • Custom Written Works : Every research paper we deliver is custom written to your specific needs and instructions. We understand that each project is unique, and we tailor our approach accordingly. Our writers conduct thorough research, analyze relevant sources, and develop original arguments and insights to ensure that your paper stands out.
  • In-Depth Research : Our writers are skilled in conducting in-depth research on art history topics. They have access to a wide range of scholarly databases, art catalogs, and reliable online resources. They meticulously gather relevant sources, critically analyze them, and integrate the most up-to-date and authoritative information into your research paper.
  • Custom Formatting : We are well-versed in various formatting styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. Our writers adhere to the specific guidelines of your institution and ensure that your paper is formatted correctly, including in-text citations, references, footnotes, and bibliography.
  • Top Quality : At iResearchNet, we prioritize quality in every aspect of our services. Our writers are dedicated to delivering research papers that demonstrate depth of analysis, clarity of expression, and adherence to academic standards. We have a rigorous quality assurance process in place to ensure that every paper meets the highest standards of excellence.
  • Customized Solutions : We understand that each student has unique requirements and preferences. That’s why we offer customized solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need assistance with topic selection, literature review, data analysis, or any other aspect of your research paper, we are here to provide personalized support.
  • Flexible Pricing : We offer flexible pricing options to accommodate your budget. We understand that students have different financial constraints, and we strive to provide affordable services without compromising on quality. Our pricing structure is transparent, and we offer various packages to suit your specific requirements.
  • Short Deadlines : We recognize that time constraints can be a significant challenge for students. That’s why we offer short deadlines for urgent research paper requests. If you have a tight deadline, our writers can work efficiently to deliver a high-quality paper within as little as 3 hours.
  • Timely Delivery : Meeting deadlines is a top priority for us. We understand the importance of submitting your research paper on time to ensure academic success. Our writers are committed to delivering your paper within the agreed-upon timeframe, allowing you ample time for review and revision.
  • 24/7 Support : We provide round-the-clock customer support to address any queries or concerns you may have. Our friendly and knowledgeable support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any aspect of our services, from placing an order to tracking your project’s progress.
  • Absolute Privacy : We prioritize the confidentiality of your personal information and the work we do for you. At iResearchNet, we have strict privacy policies in place to safeguard your identity and ensure that your research paper remains confidential. You can trust us to handle your project with utmost confidentiality.
  • Easy Order Tracking : We provide a user-friendly platform that allows you to track the progress of your research paper. You can stay updated on the status of your project, communicate with your assigned writer, and easily access your completed paper when it is ready.
  • Money Back Guarantee : We are committed to your satisfaction. If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with the final product, we offer a money-back guarantee. We believe in the quality of our services and strive to ensure your utmost satisfaction with the research paper we deliver.

At iResearchNet, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive writing services to support students in their art history research papers. Our team of expert writers, customized solutions, in-depth research, and commitment to quality make us your trusted partner in academic success. Whether you need assistance with topic selection, research, writing, or any other aspect of your research paper, we are here to help. Unleash your potential with iResearchNet’s writing services and experience the convenience and excellence we offer. Place your order today and let us assist you in achieving your academic goals.

Unleash Your Potential with iResearchNet

Are you a student of art history struggling with your research papers? Don’t let the complexities of art history topics hinder your academic progress. iResearchNet is here to unleash your potential and provide you with exceptional art history writing services. Our team of expert writers, extensive resources, and commitment to excellence make us the perfect partner to help you excel in your art history studies. Let us guide you through the intricate world of art history research papers and pave the way to your academic success.

Don’t let the challenges of art history research papers hold you back. Unleash your potential and achieve academic success with iResearchNet’s art history writing services. Our team of expert writers, customized solutions, extensive research, and commitment to excellence are designed to support you in your art history journey. Place your order today and experience the convenience, quality, and expertise that iResearchNet has to offer. Unlock the doors to academic success and embark on a rewarding path in art history.

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A List of Unique Art Research Paper Topics

art research paper topics

Art is an exciting field of study, and research in this area is fun to do. We have identified the different areas and the possible topics you can research on. Art is a broad area of study but choosing a topic is not as difficult as you think. With the right guide, you can find interesting topics for your thesis. We have some tips to get you on the right path. We also provide you with some tips on how to choose a research topic in the arts.

How to Choose the Right Art Topic

Choosing a project topic in arts requires careful thought. To make things easier for you, we have noted some areas to consider before picking a research topic.

·         Consider Your Interest

Art is a field of study that emphasizes creativity. It is a field that will require you to bring your creativity to bear. What happens if you search your mind and nothing comes out?

This problem can happen if you do not have an interest in the area. Even if you can come up with something, the ideas will not flow if you write about your area of interest.

There are areas of difficulty in every research, but you will be more inclined to find working solutions if it is your area of interest. If you are working on your area of study, you will be better attuned to the research. It also helps the overall look of your research. Your enthusiasm is essential in every project work.

·         Access to Material

Before you decide to take on a topic for research in arts, you should consider the availability of materials and your access to them. Materials may be available, but you may not have access to them.

Essential questions to ask are, are there materials on this topic? Have books been published in this area? Are there articles online on this topic? You may also want to check if your school library has materials on the topic.

Then you have to ask if you have access to these materials. Can you download the material online? Or read them online? Are the books available for sale? If you answer yes, then you are good to go.

·         Identify a Gap

Research is called so because someone else has researched that area before. So, what you are doing is a “re-search.” However, previous research could not have covered every aspect of that field or topic. Therefore, you have to identify that gap and fill it.

Without proper research, you will not come up with a viable topic. In academics, you do not have to repeat what someone has done already.

Expert Consulting for Art Research Paper Topics

Looking to excel in your art research paper? Our professional dissertation consultant is here to support you. With their expertise in the field of art, they can provide personalized guidance and advice on selecting engaging topics, conducting thorough research, and crafting a compelling art research paper. Benefit from the knowledge and experience of our dissertation consultants to enhance the quality and impact of your work. Contact us today to unlock the full potential of your art research paper with our expert consulting services.

Modern Art Topics

  • Themes in 21 st century paintings
  • Themes in 20 th century paintings
  • The new media and arts
  • Filmography in the 21 st century
  • Emerging forms in modern arts
  • Modern art as a viable tool for activism
  • Impact of technology on modern arts
  • Themes in modern poetry
  • What is the influence of feminism on modern art?
  • Gendered roles in modern arts

Media Art History Research Paper Topics

  • Art development and the media
  • Dynamics of art produced using the media
  • Globalization, digital art, and emerging discusses
  • Globalization, electronic art, and activism
  • Literature and the new media
  • Poetic rendition in the new media
  • The impact of digital technologies on art
  • Advertising in the 21 st century
  • Filmic art in the 21 st century
  • Computer games as art

Pop Art Research Paper Topics

  • Comic books as tools for social criticism
  • Advertising and sublimation: a study of the human psyche
  • Pop art as a platform for activism
  • Popular pop artists in the 21 st century
  • Thematic and stylistic trends in pop art
  • Technology and ethics in pop art
  • Pop art as high and low art
  • Pop art as an economy booster
  • Principles of pop art
  • Interaction and connection between pop art and other art forms

Visual Art Research Topics

  • Painting as pedagogy
  • Sculpture in the modern age
  • The creative works of popular artists
  • Aesthetics of painting: a study of an artist’s creations
  • A comparison of style of different artists
  • Trends in photography in different generations
  • Impact of technology on visual art
  • Socioeconomic impact of animation
  • Impact of visual art on culture
  • Visual art and feminism

Art Therapy Research Paper Topics

  • The interworking of therapy and art
  • The use of art for therapeutic effects
  • Technological approaches to art therapy
  • The use of virtual reality in art therapy
  • Theories of art therapy
  • Dance therapy for the treatment of anxiety
  • Color therapy for children with learning disabilities
  • Music as therapy for depression
  • The evolution of art therapy

Art History Research Paper Topics

  • Impact of the industrial revolution on art
  • Themes and styles of painting in the 20 th and 21 st centuries
  • Aesthetics and styles in Francisco de Goya’s works
  • The place of art in human civilization
  • A comparison of the work of two prominent painters
  • Themes and styles of music in the 20 th and 21 st centuries
  • Influence of ancient philosophers on art
  • The aesthetics and style of Michelangelo’s works
  • The place of erotica in the arts
  • History of paintings in different cultures

Ancient Art History Research Paper Topics

  • Art forms and styles in Greece
  • Compare the artworks of different artists
  • Biblical motives in the works of Leonardo da Vinci
  • Early African arts and history
  • The history behind early roman arts
  • Chinese arts and lifestyle before the 21 st century
  • Ancient Egyptian arts and lifestyle
  • History of the pyramid of Egypt
  • The contribution of the Greek theatre to dramatic arts
  • Early arts and religion

Classical Greek Art Research Paper Topic

Classical Greek art-related topics for a research paper is an intelligent choice. There are several areas you can focus on including:

  • The different styles of Greeks pottery
  • Myths in classical Greek sculpture
  • Aesthetics and style of Greek architecture
  • Compare the works of legendary sculptors
  • Impact of religion on Greek artworks
  • Compare ancient Greek art with the present
  • The influence of science in Greek arts
  • Styles of Phidias sculptor
  • Imagery and symbolism in classical Greek arts
  • Relationship between classical Greek arts and Greece lifestyle

Renaissance Art Topics

  • A comparison of renaissance art in different parts of Europe
  • What was the influence of renaissance art on man’s worldview?
  • How is renaissance art different from those of the medieval age?
  • What are the aesthetics of the art of the time?
  • How is the nobility of man portrayed in the art forms of the age?
  • How was the renaissance a revival of classical Roman and Greek art?
  • What are the forms and styles of renaissance art?
  • History, evolution, and preservation of renaissance arts
  • How do the renaissance arts portray humanism and individualism?
  • What are the theories of renaissance art?

20th Century Research Paper Topics Art History

  • Specific museum and its art collection
  • Harlem renaissance as a springboard for art activism
  • Aesthetics and styles of Pablo Picasso’s arts
  • Influence of Jackson Pollock’s arts
  • Influence of religion and science on the 20 th century arts
  • Compare earlier art styles with those of the 20 th century
  • Artistic movements in the 20 th century
  • Political cartoons and their influence in 20 th century politics
  • Influence of earlier art style on 20 th art styles
  • The prominent art movement of the 20 th century

Great Thai Art Topic for a Research Paper

  • The culture and artistic heritage of Thailand
  • Influence of religion on Thai arts
  • Representation of Thai social life in Thai arts
  • Folk heritage of Thailand
  • Aesthetic and stylistic import of Thai arts
  • Ancient and prehistoric art forms
  • A diachronic study of Thai arts from prehistoric times to the present
  • Signs and symbols in Thai arts
  • The influence of globalization on contemporary Thai arts
  • Messages in line, color, and space in Thai art.

Medieval Art History Research Paper Topics

  • Aesthetics and style of Raphael’s paintings
  • Religious and non-religious art forms that originated from the time
  • The evolution and sustenance of art forms
  • Compare the artworks of Michelangelo and Raphael
  • History of renaissance arts
  • Symbols and motif in medieval paintings
  • Religious motifs in Leonardo de Vinci’s paintings
  • Aesthetics and styles of Byzantine art style
  • Evolution of early Christian arts,
  • Elements of Gothic arts

Mexican Revolutionary Art Research Paper Topics

  • Impact of the Mexican revolution on Mexican lifestyle
  • History and effects of revolutionary arts
  • Compare the artworks of Frida Kahlo, Diego, Rivera
  • Surrealism in Mexican arts
  • Mural paintings during the Mexican revolution
  • The place of arts in Mexican revolution
  • Different phases of the Mexican revolution and the artworks created during that time
  • Impact of the Mexican revolution on people’s perception of art
  • Compare Mexican revolutionary arts with those created after the revolution
  • Aesthetics and style of David Alfaro Siqueiros’s artworks

Argumentative Art Topics

Some art research paper topics in these areas include:

  • The most significant artwork in the 20th century
  • Is graffiti art or vandalism?
  • Which city has the most remarkable art history and why?
  • The relevance of medieval art in contemporary times
  • How has the museum preserved art culture and enthusiasm
  • Modern pop culture does not measure up to earlier times. Argue for or against
  • Do ethics limit art?
  • Has technology limited creativity in art?
  • Is the role of the artist in society relevant?
  • Do cartoons fuel or mediate in political issues?

Good South East Asia Art Topics for a Research Paper

  • Asia is a place of high artistic creations. Discuss
  • Compare ancient and contemporary Asian arts
  • History of calligraphy arts in East Asia
  • What is the philosophy behind ancient artistic creations of different ages?
  • The evolution of Bollywood
  • How does Chinese circus art reflect the Chinese tradition?
  • Jewelry styles and meaning in India
  • Aesthetics and styles in Japanese calligraphy art
  • Religious relevance of art in south India
  • The evolution of pop culture in India

Researches in art are not difficult if taken the right way. With this guide, picking an area of study and identifying the gap is not tedious. We have helped you out in this regard with the information provided above.

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Art Topics - 200+ Brilliant Ideas to Begin With

By: Nova A.

14 min read

Reviewed By: Rylee W.

Published on: Apr 23, 2019

Art Topics

Are you a student struggling to find interesting and engaging art topics for your assignments or projects?

The world of art is vast and diverse, offering countless possibilities for exploration and creative expression. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your focus. But fret not, as we're here to help you navigate this artistic maze! 

In this blog, we will provide you with a curated list of fascinating art topics that will inspire your creativity and make your assignments stand out. Whether you're interested in exploring different art movements or delving into the cultural and historical significance of art, we've got you covered.

So let’s get started!

Art Topics

On this Page

Art Topics For Students

Here are some engaging art topics to write about that will spark your creativity and deepen your understanding of the artistic world.

  • The Impressionist movement and its impact on art.
  • Exploring the use of color in abstract art.
  • The influence of nature in landscape painting.
  • The evolution of portraiture throughout history.
  • The symbolism in still life paintings.
  • The role of art in social and political activism.
  • Exploring different art mediums: painting, sculpture, photography, etc.
  • The connection between art and emotions.
  • Exploring cultural diversity in art.
  • The representation of mythology in art.

Art Topics for Elementary Students

Here's a table with three columns containing art topics suitable for grades 3, 4, and 5:

Art Topics For Elementary School Students -WriteMyEssay.help

History Art Topics

We always turn back and refer to history in hopes of avoiding past mistakes and learning new things. The same goes for art history. It provides us with a great number of exciting subjects and topics.

You can write about any art movement, time period, and school, talk about their origin and uniqueness, etc. Following are some amazing topics related to history that can help you draft an exceptional piece of writing. 

  • Egyptians used the same art canon for 3000 years. Why?
  • The history and techniques used in printmaking.
  • What is the philosophy of art? Explain the relationship between art and philosophy.
  • African countries and the return of cultural property post World War II.
  • Discuss primeval musical instruments.
  • Stained glass in Medieval France.
  • Venetian carnival masks and their history.
  • Human sacrifice in Mayan culture and its depiction in art.
  • Components of sculptures in Ancient Greece.
  • Draw a comparison between Egyptian and Mesoamerican pyramids.
  • The history and origin of Greek theater.
  • Biblical motives in the early paintings of Leonardo da Vinci.
  • The significance of Christian symbols in Renaissance art.
  • The beauty standards of Renaissance women.
  • The significance of Raphael’s work.

Art Topics on Artist Bibliography

Artist’s bibliographies make up for interesting essay topics. You never know what you might find going deep into their personal and professional lives, struggles, childhood, and their thinking and ideas.

We have gathered a list of artists from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, respectively, for you to choose for your upcoming art essay.

18th Century

  • William Blake
  • Francisco Goya
  • J. M. W. Turner
  • Samuel Morse
  • Jacques-Louis David
  • Eugene Delacroix
  • Thomas Gainsborough
  • Mikhail Lomonosov
  • John James Audubon
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
  • Katsushika Hokusai
  • Marie Tussaud
  • E. T. A. Hoffmann
  • Grandma Moses

19th Century

  • Vincent Willem Van Gogh
  • Claude Manet
  • Gustav Klimt
  • Rabindranath Tagore
  • Henri-Émile-Benoît Matisse
  • Hilaire Germain Edgar
  • Auguste Renoir
  • Georges Seurat
  • Alfred Sisley
  • Edgar Degas
  • Paul Cezanne
  • John Everett Millais
  • Frederic Remington
  • Thomas Lawrence
  • Adolf Menzel

20th Century

  • Louise Bourgeois
  • Marcel Duchamp
  • Frida Kahlo
  • Pablo Picasso
  • Judy Chicago
  • Cindy Sherman
  • Andy Warhol
  • Henry Spencer Moore
  • Georgia Totto O’Keeffe
  • Alberto Giacometti
  • David Smith
  • Vanessa Bell
  • Frank Lloyd Wright
  • Benny Andrews

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Art Topics on Different Epochs

The 18th century was an era of lavish architecture and musicians.

  • Influence of industrial revolution on art development.
  • Late Baroque architecture.
  • Rococo interior design.
  • Importance of Denis Diderot’s critiques of French art in the 18th century.
  • Neoclassicism sculpture: A combination of new and old ideas.
  • Comparison between Baroque and Rococo art designs.
  • Well-known composers of First Viennese School.
  • Marquis de Sade and its contribution to literature.
  • Significance of Denis Diderot’s criticism of French Art.
  • History of the famous Eugene Delacroix’s paintings.

The work of the artists of the 19th century.

  • Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night and its colorists.
  • Why is the carving of the Veiled Virgin by Giovanni Strazza so special?
  • How were the Victorian beauty standards portrayed in their art?
  • Monet’s Sunrise: what is so special about the light?
  • Dancing paintings by Edgar Degas.
  • Changes in the methodology of Impressionism paintings.
  • Artists and their depiction of Victorian beauty standards.
  • The relation between Goya’s prints and French caricatures.
  • The historical significance of Francisco de Goya’s paintings.
  • Paul Gauguin's savage art.

20th-century movements

  • Art Deco and Art Nouveau: similarities and differences.
  • Surrealism in Salvador Dali’s sculptures.
  • Basic principles of futurism.
  • Frida Kahlo’s paintings and the most commonly used symbol in them.
  • Techniques used in Jackson Pollock’s art?
  • The Kiss by Gustav Klimt: discuss its styles.
  • Jasper Johns Flag: realistic and artificial motifs.
  • Futurism and its basic principles.
  • Unusual techniques in the art of Jackson Pollock.
  • Evolution of mannerism in Pablo Picasso’s paintings.

Art Therapy Topics

Art therapy is a worthwhile resource to explore. Here is an interesting list of art therapy topic ideas that you can consider before starting your writing process.

  • Art therapy as an industry.
  • Art Therapy a Form of Psychotherapy.
  • Art Therapy in Abused Children.
  • Art for Communities and Families.
  • Art therapy and the creative process.
  • Benefits of art therapy.
  • Art Therapy in Group Setting.
  • Art Therapy in Children and its Effectiveness.
  • Quantitative Research in Art Therapy.
  • The Power of Art Therapy.
  • Techniques Used For Art Therapy.
  • Losing Yourself in Art.
  • Art Therapy Resources.
  • Art Therapy Activities.
  • Art therapy and mental health.

Art Debate Topics

Coming up with an interesting Art debate topic can be tricky. There are a number of things that you need to consider when coming up with an interesting topic. Following are some of the unique  debate topics  ideas that you can consider choosing.

  • Should abstract be considered a type of art?
  • Should art be recognized more academically?
  • Should kids draw horror art?
  • The purpose of art.
  • Is it possible to appreciate art without liking it?
  • Art vs. Design.
  • How important is art for children's education?
  • How art affects and reflects the world.
  • Is Art Really Necessary Anymore?
  • Was Hitler’s contribution to the arts powerful?
  • Modern art and its legitimacy.
  • Critiquing styles of Harold Rosenberg and Clement Greenberg.
  • The uniqueness of Russian artists.
  • How is primitivism real art?

Art Persuasive Speech Topics

When given to come up with a persuasive speech, it is often up to students to choose a topic.

Choosing the right topic is not an easy task. Here you can find some of the interesting art persuasive speech topic ideas to help you start the process.

  • Do some pets pose a danger to the community?
  • Is battery farming ethical?
  • Why should art classes be enforced in all public schools?
  • How can one benefit from having a pet?
  • What makes a dog a perfect pet?
  • How are dolphins important to the environment?
  • Reasons why you should not raise wild animals as pets
  • What we lose when animals go extinct.
  • Reasons why students should be taught to play musical instruments in school.
  • Significance of learning different languages.
  • Why should graffiti be considered art?
  • Why should museums be free for citizens?
  • Significance of cultural art education in schools
  • Effectiveness of music therapy.
  • How cultural interactions can make people successful professionally?

You can also explore articles to find more  persuasive speech topic ideas  on  5StarEssays.com  and write compelling essays.

Art Topics on Different Cultures

  • How has pop art influenced American culture?
  • Styles and material used in Japanese calligraphy.
  • How does the henna pattern differ in the Middle East, India, and Africa?
  • Asian tribes: their fashion and textile.
  • Maori culture: war dance haka.
  • Bollywood and the Hindi film industry.
  • Why should inappropriate language in English literature be removed?
  • Bollywood dance routines Vs. Americans.
  • History and significance of pop music culture.
  • Why should art therapy be covered in medical health insurance in different parts of the world?
  • Pros and cons of watching Sci-Fi films.
  • Comparison between the romantic comedy of Hollywood Vs. Bollywood.
  • Features of Irani cinema.
  • Significance of sitar in Hindu culture.
  • Contemporary dance forms in different cultures.

Art Topics on Ancient Civilization

  • Influence of science on Ancient Greek sculptures
  • Explain the main reasons for the shift in Roman artistic style in the 4th century.
  • The Great Wall of China and its construction.
  • Women and Politics in Ancient Rome.
  • Female representation in Ancient Art.
  • Art and architecture in Ancient Times.
  • The story behind the art and architecture of Ancient Rome.
  • Describe Ancient Greek literature and theater.
  • Contribution of Ancient Civilizations to the modern art
  • Depiction of beauty in Ancient Art

Art Research Paper Topics

Despite the fact that art cannot be measured with figures as its value depends on personal impressions, it still can be a subject for research.

It is quite a challenging task to study something full of emotions. But don’t worry, as there is much credible data that you can include in your research paper only if you choose the right topic.

Following are some of the interesting topic ideas that you can choose to start with.

  • Gothic and Neo-Gothic.
  • Comparison of Nazi and Soviet art.
  • Can abstract art be decoded?
  • The art of disgusting.
  • Bauhaus movement.
  • Surrealist movement.
  • Photography as art.
  • History and origin of Abstract Expressionism.
  • Similarities and differences between Claude Monnet and Edouard Manet.
  • How cultural identity affects the creation of art?
  • Breaking stereotypes through art and literature.
  • Limitations of the performance art.
  • Mysterious photography and artwork of Vivian Maier.
  • Jazz music of the 19th century.
  • Hidden meanings in the famous paintings.

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Modern Art Topics

Modern art consists of interesting movements, styles, and forms. Choose any of the below topics to write on.

  • The abstract expressionism movement.
  • Pablo Picasso, founder of cubism.
  • Impressionism Vs. Cubism.
  • Development of American pop art.
  • Is contemporary art merely a way for greedy capitalists to make money?
  • Political cartoons as an art form.
  • Are people scared of modern art?
  • History and techniques of printmaking.
  • The definition of “Philosophy of Arts.”
  • The artistic styles of Art Deco.

Art History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Writing a compare and contrast essay isn’t easy, but it allows you to learn a great deal about different time periods, artists and their work and movements, etc.

  • Picasso’s blue and rose periods: similarities and differences.
  • Baroque and Rococo design styles: compare and analyze.
  • Traditional vs. Modern Caribbean music.
  • Renaissance vs. Baroque Epoch
  • What are the main differences between Picasso and Leonardo Da Vinci?
  • Roman Vs. Greek mythology.
  • Venus de Milo Vs. The Thinker.
  • Similarities and differences between the artworks of the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • The artwork of India and Africa.
  • Styles and techniques of painting landscapes.

We have added a variety of more compare and contrast essay topics in this blog; go check it out.

Art Argumentative Essay Topics

  • The most significant piece of art of the 20th century and why?
  • Graffiti art or vandalism?
  • Banksy artist or vandal?
  • What contributed to making Paris a center of art in the 20th century?
  • Why do we need art in our lives?
  • Why is TV becoming obsolete?
  • Significance of print media in current times.
  • Advantages of listening to classical music.
  • How painting can help treat mental illnesses.

Need more argumentative essay topics? Check out our blog on  argumentative essay topics .

Cause and Effect Essay Topics on Art

  • Did iconoclasm affect Muslim art, and how?
  • Causes of the decline of art in Medieval Europe?
  • How has the cultural revolution influenced Chinese art?
  • The invention of the printing press changed the status of the mass media. Examples must be provided to support your position.
  • Raphael’s influence on the art of the Renaissance.
  • Influence of Hitler’s work on literature.
  • Influence of WWI of art.
  • Influence of WWII on literature.
  • How the work of William Blake paved the path for modern art?
  • How did art influence the people during Hitler’s time?

Art Topics For Presentation

  • The evolution of street art: From graffiti to mainstream acceptance.
  • The impact of technology on contemporary art.
  • Art therapy: The healing power of creativity.
  • Women artists throughout history: Challenging gender norms and making their mark.
  • Exploring cultural appropriation in art: Appreciation vs. exploitation.
  • Art and environmental activism: Raising awareness through creative expression.
  • The influence of ancient civilizations on modern art.
  • Art as a form of storytelling: Narrative elements in visual arts.
  • The role of art museums in preserving and promoting artistic heritage.
  • The intersection of art and science: The fusion of creativity and innovation.

Performing Arts Topics

  • The influence of dance in different cultures
  • The evolution of musical theater
  • The impact of technology on contemporary dance performances.
  • The portrayal of social issues in modern dance
  • The role of improvisation in theater
  • Exploring different styles of classical music
  • The significance of costume design in theater
  • How music influences our feelings and experiences.
  • The power of storytelling through puppetry
  • The fusion of traditional and contemporary elements in multicultural performances.

Literary Arts Topics

  • Exploring the use of symbols to convey deeper meanings.
  • The evolution of the novel: From its early forms to modern genres.
  • The impact of postcolonial literature
  • Exploring magical realism in literature: Blending reality and the fantastical.
  • The role of satire in social critique
  • Women writers and the feminist literary movement
  • The portrayal of mental health in literature
  • The influence of mythology in contemporary literature
  • Analyzing the portrayal of bleak future societies.
  • The power of storytelling in oral traditions

Art and Society Topics

  • Art as a vehicle for social change
  • How art shapes and revitalizes communities.
  • Exploring the intersection of art, capitalism, and consumer culture.
  • Analyzing instances of art being censored or restricted due to societal or political factors.
  • Examining the benefits and challenges of arts education in schools.
  • Exploring the therapeutic benefits of engaging with art.
  • How artists express and challenge notions of race, gender, sexuality, and culture.
  • Examining the relationship between art, digital media, and technological advancements.
  • Exploring how artists respond to and raise awareness about ecological issues.
  • Analyzing art projects that promote dialogue, collaboration, and inclusivity within communities.

Art Topics for Personal Development

  • Art journaling for self-reflection and growth
  • The power of imagination and artistic expression to manifest personal goals and aspirations.
  • Exploring art techniques as a form of meditation and cultivating present moment awareness.
  • Using art-making as a means to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance well-being.
  • Creating visual representations of personal stories and experiences.
  • Using different art mediums to process and communicate emotions.
  • Utilizing collage or mixed media techniques to visually represent personal goals and aspirations.
  • Engaging in artistic activities to explore personal identity, values, and beliefs.
  • Using art-making as a means to cope with and overcome challenges and adversity.
  • Experimenting with different art styles and mediums to discover one's unique artistic voice.

Miscellaneous Art Essay Topics

  • Contemporary artists, you like and why?
  • What is your opinion on true art: what is it?
  • If you are an artist, how would you explain your kind of art to others?
  • Does life and nature influence art?
  • What are your views on art therapy?
  • Difference between a French and American artist.
  • History and evaluation of animation
  • Significance of censorship
  • Origin of Crop art
  • Urban sculptures and their significance
  • What is fiber art?
  • The emergence of textile arts
  • History of graphic novels
  • Interactive art of modern times
  • Introduction and significance of tramp art?

In conclusion, choosing an art topic is an important and personal decision for an art student. It's a process that involves self-reflection, exploration, and experimentation. By reflecting on your interests, researching, and seeking inspiration, you can discover the subjects that truly ignite your creativity. 

Remember, there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to art topics. The key is to follow your passion and enjoy the journey of artistic exploration. 

So, whichever topic you choose, just add it to our AI essay generator and get an AI essay for reference. 

Or, if you need help writing a high-quality paper, feel free to contact 5StarEssays.com expert essay writers. Simply request ‘ write my essay ’ and get assistance for all types of academic essays and papers. 

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As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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Arts Dissertation Research Topics

Published by Carmen Troy at January 6th, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

Introduction

Arts is an important academic subject. It has a range of subdisciplines including Economics , History , Political Science , Geography , Sociology , Philosophy , Psychology , Computer Science , Linguistics , Law , Journalism & Media and Tourism & Hotel Management . If you are looking for some exciting yet manageable arts dissertation topics then you definitely landed on the right page.

This blog post provides twenty arts dissertation topic examples so you can come up with an idea that will enable you to achieve a high academic grade in your arts dissertation project. These topics have been proposed by our expert art writers so you can be confident that they will make a great dissertation paper.

Without further ado, here are the top five arts dissertation topics.

Topic 1: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Modern Art: An Exploratory Study to Find Advancements AI can Bring in Modern Art

Topic 2: what’s wrong with mona lisa a critical review of mona lisa’s painting from various artists’ lens, topic 3: performing arts and cultural development- a study to find the impact of performing arts on the youth cultural development in ancient germany, topic 4: the role of arts in the cultural invasion- a case of western culture penetrating in asian societies, topic 5: the influence of oil-based portrait painting on portrait photography.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question ,  aim and objectives ,  literature review  along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics for 2022 here.

2022 Arts Dissertation Research Topics

Research Aim: This research aims to find the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on modern art advancements. It will show how AI-based models such as Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning models can help to create more dynamic visual arts? It will test these models against real artists to show whether they can create new art based on the previous data? Lastly, it will assess the current work in the area and improve existing models to create better art.

Research Aim: This study intends to critically evaluate Mona Lisa’s painting from various artists’ viewpoints. It will try to dig deep into the picture from the painters’ imagination to the colors used in the painting. Moreover, it will utilize arts literature to draw a framework to analyze Mona Lisa’s painting critically. It will show the greatness and uniqueness in the painting and its problems, which can be modified through ideas and tools used in modern art and literature.

Research Aim: This research analyzes the impact of performing arts on the youth cultural development in ancient Germany. It will show artists and various organizations intentionally and unintentionally used performing arts to affect the youth in old Germany. It will assess the effects of performing arts on multiple aspects of youth lifestyle in Ancient Germany. It will also explore the impact of performing arts on other elements of youth, such as their imagination, productivity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Research Aim: This study assesses the role of arts in the cultural invasion. It will find how various individuals and organizations, even states use different art (performing arts, liberal arts, visual arts, etc.) to invade other cultures? Moreover, it will analyze the western nations to see how they used their culture to change mindsets in Asian societies. It will calculate the difference in fashion, activities, lifestyles, employments, traditions, norms, etc., pre and post cultural invasion times in Asian societies.

Research Aim: This research finds the influence of oil-based portrait painting on portrait photography. It will show how the introduction of oil-based portrait painting influenced various aspects of portrait photography? It will assess the change in portrait photography methods due to changes in oil-based portrait painting over time. Moreover, it will show whether oil-based portrait painting has a role in portrait photography? Or is there no empirical relationship between both? Lastly, it will show through an academic lens how both can be combined to make photography better in terms of concepts, colors, content, photography methods, etc.,?

Research on Cultural Hybridity in the UK's Contemporary Art

Research Aim: This research paper aims to analyze the cultural hybridity found in UK art culture. The UK’s various art reproduces creative work, which enhances the art culture of the entire UK. The UK’s artistic practise creates an opportunity for its art culture to expand all over the world.

Looking through a New Glass: The American Film in the Modern World

Research Aim: This research paper aims to explore American films’ future possibilities by evaluating American films in this modern era. A different perspective is implemented to analyze the entire topic.

Impressionistic Painting: A Drive to another World

Research Aim: The focus of this dissertation is to situate impressionistic painting in the contemporary era. The application of the impressionistic technique gives a new dimension to the art of the contemporary period. The features of impressionism are the insights of the paintings.

Position of Aesthetic art in UK's Tradition

Research Aim: The paper focuses on evaluating the current position of aesthetic art in the UK’s modern culture. It also tries to express how the UK relates aesthetic arts with its tradition.

Idols in Painting Practice

Research Aim: This research paper aims to evaluate the practices of Idol painting in modern art. The abstract paintings of the idol are innovative art techniques to express in-depth knowledge regarding the piece of art. Finding out the reason behind the culture of idol painting is another aim.

The Altering Perception towards Art in Contemporary Culture

Research Aim: This research paper aims to seek out the changing perception of people to art in modern culture. Art is changing in itself, which develops contemporary art, hence the changing perception of people. A comparative study is also provided between traditional art and modern art.

Music in Australia: A Development in Art Culture

Research Aim: The objective of this dissertation paper is to explore the possibilities of modern music culture in Australia. The creative works in music give Australian art an innovative way to express it in the contemporary world, enhancing the position of Australian art.

History of Sculpture Art: A Comparative Study between the East and the West

Research Aim: This dissertation aims to form a comparative study regarding the history of sculpture art between the East and the West. The history of sculpture art of both the East and the West is analyzed to develop the aspects of comparison for the research study.

A War of Photography: Retro Version Modern

Research Aim: The research paper seeks to evaluate the comparison between the war of photography between modern and retro. The black and white tradition of photography is embraced by modern people. The importance of retro in the contemporary world is like innovation in art culture. So, the paper aims to divide the features of both retro and modern photography.

The needs of Modern Painting Techniques: Human vs. Nature

Research Aim: This paper aims to compare the needs of modern painting techniques. The human-centric paintings and the paintings of nature are the comparison topics, which is contemporary painters’ preference. Modern art develops depending on current techniques in painting.

Portrait Art and its Development in Western Culture

Research Aim: This dissertation paper aims to trace the origin of portrait art and its gradual development in western culture. The innovative portrait art is the need of modern civilization.

Classroom Creativity Development through Art and Craft

Research Aim: This dissertation paper is written to analyze the importance of art in the creative development of the classroom. The students in the school are instructed to do art and craftwork to develop their creative insight. Developing creativity is the beginning of innovation.

Visual art: a Communicator of Creative Genius

Research Aim: This dissertation aims to evaluate the significance of visual art as a communicative medium of creative genius. Visual art develops creativity. The impact of visual art can extract creativity from a thoughtful mind.

Art of Ancient Era: A Reflective Study of the East

Research Aim: The objective of this research is to trace the history of ancient art in the East. The importance of ancient art is invaluable through which the culture came into existence. Ancient art helps in developing modern art.

Modern Art: A Tool to Expand the Region of Art Culture

Research Aim: This paper aims to explore the possibilities of modern art and how it can expand the dimensions of art in the future. Through a complete evaluation of contemporary art and its role in the contemporary era, the dissertation seeks the importance of modern art.

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How to find art dissertation topics based on different cultural trends.

  • Research diverse cultural movements.
  • Examine artistic influences.
  • Explore cross-cultural intersections.
  • Analyze art’s reflection of societies.
  • Consider emerging cultural expressions.
  • Select a topic resonating with your passion and research scope.

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Visual Arts Theses and Dissertations

This collection contains theses and dissertations from the Department of Visual Arts, collected from the Scholarship@Western Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

sweeping the forest floor of frequencies , Maria A. Kouznetsova

Achy Awfulness , Rylee J. Rumble

Nonstop Digital Flickerings; , Sam Wagter

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Credulous Escapism , Brianne C. Casey

At Dusk , Michelle Paterok

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Marvelous Monsters , Thomas Bourque

On Ground , Matthew Brown

Pharmakon: From Body to Being , Jérôme Y. C. Conquy

The Other Neighbour of El Otro Lado , Anahi Gonzalez Teran

Neoliberalism, Institutionalism, and Art , Declan Hoy

Strings of Sound and Sense: Towards a Feminine Sonic , Ellen N. Moffat

Cyber Souls and Second Selves , Yas Nikpour Khoshgrudi

The No No-Exit Closet: An Alternative to No-Exit Pathways , Faith I. Patrick

Fleet: Nuances of Time and Ephemera , Rebecca Sutherland

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

The Hell of a Boiling Red , George Kubresli

still, unfolding , Ramolen Mencero Laruan

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Spanning , Mary Katherine Carder-Thompson

The Medieval Genesis of a Mythology of Painting , Colin Dorward

Philosophical Archeology in Theoretical and Artistic Practice , Ido Govrin

Bone Meal , Johnathan Onyschuk

Inventory , Lydia Elvira Santia

Collaborative Listening and Cultural Difference in Contemporary Art , Santiago Ulises Unda Lara

Absence and Proximity , Zhizi Wang

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Then Again, Maybe I Won't , Claire Bartleman

and where is the body? , Tyler Durbano

Next to a River: Mobility, Mapping, and Hand Embroidery , Sharmistha Kar

Interfaces of Nearness: Documentary Photography and the Representation of Technology , Mark Kasumovic

Buffer , Graham Macaulay

The English Landscapes in the Seventeenth Century , Helen Parkinson

SuperNova: Performing Race, Hybridity and Expanding the Geographical Imagination , Raheleh Saneie

Slower Than Time Itself , Matthew S. Trueman

Skim , Joy Wong

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Gardening at Arm's Length , Paul Chartrand

Lesser Than Greater Than Equal To: The Art Design Paradox , Charles Lee Franklin Harris

Skin Portraiture: Embodied Representations in Contemporary Art , Heidi Kellett

Midheaven , Samantha R. Noseworthy

Drum Voice , Quinn J. Smallboy

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Beyond the Look of Representation: Defamiliarization, Décor, and the Latin Feel , Juanita Lee Garcia

Emphatic Tension , Mina Moosavipour

Symbiotic: The Human Body and Constructs of Nature , Simone Sciascetti

Thin Skin , Jason Stovall

On Coming and Going , Quintin Teszeri

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Crowdsourcing , Sherry A. Czekus

From Dust to Dust , Lynette M. de Montreuil

Hand-Eye , Michael S. Pszczonak

Abstraction And Libidinal Nationalism In The Works Of John Boyle And Diana Thorneycroft , Matthew Purvis

Tangled Hair: Uncertain Fluid Identity , Niloufar Salimi

Liminal Space: Representations Of Modern Urbanity , Matthew Tarini

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Creative Interventions and Urban Revitalization , Nicole C. Borland

What Lies Behind: Speculations on the Real and the Willful , Barbara Hobot

Turning to see otherwise , Jennifer L. Martin

Come Together: An Exploration of Contemporary Participatory Art Practices , Karly A. McIntosh

A Photographic Ontology: Being Haunted Within The Blue Hour And Expanding Field , Colin E. Miner

Matters of Airing , Tegan Moore

Liquidation , Amanda A. Oppedisano

Just As It Should Be: Painting and the Discipline of Everyday Life , Jared R. Peters

Clyfford Still in the 1930s: The Formative Years of a Leading Abstract Expressionist , Emma Richan

From 'Means to Ends': Labour As Art Practice , Gabriella Solti

Across Boundaries , Diana A. Yoo

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Following the Turn: Mapping as Material Art Practice , Kyla Christine Brown

Queer(ing) Politics and Practices: Contemporary Art in Homonationalist Times , Cierra A. Webster

Some Theoretical Models for a Critical Art Practice , Giles Whitaker

Lines of Necessity , Thea A. Yabut

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Out of Order: Thinking Through Robin Collyer, Discontent and Affirmation (1973-1985) , Kevin A. Rodgers

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thesis topics about art

18 Theses on Art and Science

Text: Peter Tepe | Section: On ‘Art and Science’

Abstract: Peter Tepe uses the brochure RESISTANCE COGNITION [WIDERSTAND ERKENNTNIS] to express theoretical thoughts on the topic of Art and Science . Both the arts and the sciences reach creative achievements which involve overcoming different kinds of resistance. The empirical sciences (the focus of the text) primarily solve cognitive problems: Aspects of reality are described and, by means of theoretical constructions, explained. The arts, on the other hand, primarily deal with problems of artistic creation within the context of art programmes based on specific values.

To mark its 15th anniversary, the Schering Foundation has published the brochure titled RESISTANCE COGNITION. Discussions with personalities from science and art [ WIDERSTAND ERKENNTNIS. Gespräche mit Persönlichkeiten aus Wissenschaft und Kunst ]. Several texts emphasise that in science as well as in art, the realisation of something new involves overcoming resistance. This is certainly true. My intervention will first of all propose further differentiation when thinking about creativity in the sciences, the arts and other areas of life; more theses will be added later. Other aspects mentioned in the brochure worth reading are left out here.

Introductory quotes

The biophysicist Ilme Schlichting writes:

“[One] challenge within the scientific field is to pursue one’s own research interests without being misled by others […]. Too many thoughts about the future or one’s retirement can have a paralysing effect. In any case, one only realises in hindsight whether a decision was right or wrong. I encounter an extremely delightful form of resistance in my research topics, to which I develop a personal relationship.” (8)

Nobel Laureate Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard expresses a similar opinion:

“In my experience, it is indispensable in both science and art to believe in one’s own concept and to enforce it against any resistance. This may be risky, but worth it if you have a new, original and forward-looking idea. Creativity, a combination of productivity and originality, is not very common in science; many researchers tend to rely on the mainstream, which is safer. […] Most of them base their projects on career considerations, meaning they do what is expected of them and choose the path of least resistance. This is an attitude that seldom results in anything truly new.” (14)

Neuroscientist Ivana Nikić-Spiegel answers the question

“What do you think constitutes an outstanding scientist?”: “Thirst for knowledge, a sceptical mind and infinite patience, which one has to show for the sometimes extremely tenacious processes in the laboratory. What outsiders don’t suspect: Scientists require a lot of perseverance and diligence, as experiments are often frustrating and gruelling at first.” (18)

A central category in the writings of the science-historian Hans-Jörg Rheinberger is “the resistance of the material – something which both artists and researchers struggle with alike”  (28). Artistic and scientific practice

“are both experimental fields that require breaking new ground and initiating things that have never been done before. In the studio as well as in the laboratory, you work your way through the material, ideally encountering connections and phenomena that you would never have dreamed of. Presuppositions are shattered, and one experiences something fundamentally new.” (28)

The artist Hiwa K writes:

“The work becomes interesting to me at the point where the material causes me difficulties and offers resistance; when something is stuck inside that has to be lured out. Then I must do everything it requires of me and, like an obstetrician, bring to light what was not visible before.” (16)

Proposals for differentiation

My first suggestions relate to the sciences. The scientists quoted are active in disciplines which commit to principles of empirical-rational thought — the empirical sciences. They are dealing with aspects of reality of any kind; I exclude logic and mathematics in this context.

Thesis 1 : Principles of empirical-rational thought can be applied in all disciplines that deal with aspects of reality, e.g. also in the humanities. However, not all scientific disciplines follow these principles. Furthermore, only some of these disciplines — not all — operate in a laboratory.

Thesis 2 : The basic form for great innovation of an empirical science begins with the development of a new theory on a specific aspect of reality.  This new theory, according to cognitive criteria, is superior to the pre-existing theories with which it competes. Such a theory has, for example, a higher degree of explanatory power than the other theories, as well as better consistency with the established facts.

Thesis 3 : In order to build an innovative theory of this kind, the psychological belief “in one’s own concept” and the will to “enforce it against any resistance” is necessary. One must “pursue one’s own research interests without being misled by others”. Renewers of this kind are “not very common in science; many researchers tend to rely on the mainstream” i.e. on the work based on already established theories. Anyone who strives to implement a truly innovative approach undoubtedly has more resistance to overcome than someone who aims for smaller advances in knowledge within the framework of an established theory, which of course is also important. To “break new ground and initiate things that have never been done before” requires a certain attitude that is relatively rare. In the case of success “presuppositions are shattered, and one experiences something fundamentally new”.

On the other hand, it must also be considered that not everyone who believes in their own concept and has the will to enforce it against any resistance pursues a theoretical programme whose realisation actually leads to empirical-rational advances in knowledge. It can also be a research dead-end, or an approach that is inferior to the present one. Not all thoughts pursued with great commitment are original and forward-looking.

“Thirst for knowledge, a sceptical mind and infinite patience” are often also prevalent among those who work within the framework of already established theories. A certain “resistance of the material” with which the researcher struggles can be found in all of these forms. Now I turn to art.

Thesis 4 : The basic form for innovation in art is not the development of a new theory about a specific aspect of reality that is superior, in terms of cognitive criteria, to the pre-existing theories with which it competes. In art, the basic form for great innovation is rather the development of a new art programme, opening up many possibilities for implementation and deviating significantly from pre-existing programmes. By an art programme I mean general art goals of a certain kind, which enable a variety of realisations in individual works or projects; these goals do not have to be formulated explicitly; they can also be implicitly effective. The concept of progress is not applicable here, or only in special cases requiring particular analysis.

Thesis 5 : In order to establish an innovative art programme, the psychological belief “in one’s own concept” and the will to “enforce it against any resistance” is also necessary. One must pursue their own artistic interests “without allowing oneself to be led astray by others”. Renewers of this kind are not to be found on every corner of the art world either, but they probably appear somewhat more frequently here than in the academic world. Most artists likewise “tend to rely on the mainstream”, i.e. on work within the framework of already established art programmes, which can lead to important innovations on a smaller scale. To “break new ground and initiate things that have never been done before” requires a certain attitude in art that is relatively rare.

On the other hand, however, also here one must take into account that not everyone who believes in their own artistic concept and has the will to pursue it against resistance follows an art programme that is actually innovative. Not every art project pursued with great commitment is original and forward-looking. Such a commitment can also be found among those who carry out their work within the framework of already established art programmes. A certain “resistance of the material” which artists struggle with must be overcome in all these forms. For many (but not all) artists, the following applies: “The work only becomes interesting to me then, when the material causes me difficulties and offers resistance”.

Cognitive and value-based innovations

In the next step, I put the discussion about creativity and innovation into a larger context:

Thesis 6 : Creative individuals who promote new ideas and try to enforce them against great resistance do not only appear in the sciences and arts but, ultimately, in all areas of life: Craft, industry, ideology, politics, gender relations, sport, etc. The following applies to all: in a particular area, a particular regulation is established to solve particular problems; this has proven worthwhile — at least for some time — and its application has become implicit for many who are active in that area. Now, if an attempt is made to replace the old regulation with a new one, it is to be expected that its implementation will only succeed if we are prepared to engage with overcoming many obstacles. With some modifications, the formulated theses can, therefore, be transferred to other areas of life which I will not go into at this point. Creativity is not exclusive to the arts and sciences.

Thesis 7 : A distinction must be made between innovations in solving cognitive — and their sometimes related technical — problems, and innovations whose primary aim is to enforce certain values. The development of a new political programme is driven by a related set of values which determine what is most important in this dimension — contrary to what was previously thought. Accordingly, the development of a new art programme is driven by a certain set of values which determine what is most important in art practice — contrary to what was previously thought. This difference must be observed on a theoretical level: Whilst the various creative processes do reveal some common elements and structures, there are also important differences specific to each area.

About art and science

In the next step, I focus on the relationship between art and science and consider how general statements about this relationship can be made. In art generally, and in the visual arts in particular, various different art programmes have been and are still being pursued; cf. thesis 4. Artists working expressionistically, for example, pursue a different art programme to those working with a naturalistic approach.

Thesis 8 : When making statements about art, it is a mistake to orient oneself to one specific art programme in an open or covert way, neglecting other art options. This mistake can be avoided by utilising a formal concept of art when defining the relationship between art and science in general terms. This means that art is always the realisation of a certain art programme that can be pursued at different degrees of awareness; the content of the different art programmes, i.e., the general art goals, vary.

The approach described in Thesis 8 can be applied to the sciences: although for the sake of simplicity I shall continue to restrict myself to the empirical sciences.

Thesis 9 : Different science programmes have been and continue to be pursued in those disciplines with a claim to scientific knowledge of aspects of reality. By a science programme I mean general epistemological goals of a certain kind, which enable a variety of realisations in individual scientific projects; these goals do not have to be formulated explicitly; they can also be implicitly effective.

In the next step, I will make a differentiation in order to arrive at the most concise statements possible about the relationship between art and science.

Thesis 10 : A distinction has to be made between two types of past and present scientific disciplines relating to aspects of reality. Whilst the first type is based on principles of empirical-rational thought, the second type is not, or only to a very limited extent: here, principles are used that are more or less in great conflict with those of empirical-rational thought.

According to Theses 8 and 9, it makes sense to first of all interpret the question surrounding the relationship between art and science in this way: What is the relationship between art (understood as the realisation of this or that art programme) and science (understood as the realisation of this or that science programme)? One can go down this path, but I do not consider it particularly productive, as the difference between the two types of scientific disciplines relating to aspects of reality, which are in conflict with one another, is neglected. Therefore, the following path looks more promising.

Thesis 11 : It is proposed to split the initial question on the relationship between art and science relating to aspects of reality into two questions. Question 1: How does art relate to those scientific disciplines that are based on principles of empirical-rational thought? Question 2: How does art relate to those scientific disciplines that are not or only to a limited extent based on principles of empirical-rational thought?

In this text, I will limit myself to the first question. Thesis 4 already includes a first response to this question, referring to the aspect of great innovation. Both art and empirical science reach creative achievements: while new art programmes are developed on the one hand, new theories on aspects of reality, representing empirical-rational advances in knowledge, are developed on the other.

On the relationship between art and empirical science

Thesis 12 : The empirical sciences solve cognitive problems, epistemological problems of a certain kind: The examined aspects of reality are described as precisely as possible according to certain criteria (which are not further discussed here), and the findings are explained with help of theoretical constructions. An innovative empirical theory can better explain its respective aspect of reality according to certain criteria than the pre-existing theories with which it competes.

Thesis 13 : The arts also reach cognitive achievements — to varying degrees  — which cannot be determined in detail at this point. Here, however, we are primarily dealing with solving problems of artistic creation that are related to various art programmes which, themselves, are based on art-related values; cf. Thesis 7. Declaring a found object (objet trouvé) an art phenomenon can be seen as a borderline case in solving a problem of artistic creation.

Thesis 14 : Thus, the basic difference between art and empirical science is that both areas primarily set out to solve different problems: where one focuses on problems of artistic creation, the other deals with cognitive problems of a descriptive-determinative, but above all theoretic-explanatory nature. However, this does not exclude the possibility that an arts practice can also encounter cognitive problems and an empirical scientific practice can also encounter problems of artistic creation; these interrelations require a separate analysis.

On the relationship between science-related art and empirical science

Finally, I will briefly address the relationship between science-related artists (i.e., artists who base their work on theories/methods/results of any scientific field) and the empirical sciences. Sentences from the conversation with Rheinberger, which refer to the exhibition Eavesdropping Fish [Fischen lauschen], serve as a starting point:

“The Swiss media artist Hannes Rickli had latched onto the primary data stream of biologists exploring marine life near Spitzbergen. In this way he was able to take scientific video and audio recordings out of their context and transform them into an artistic research object. With the help of this moment of alienation, he succeeded in eliciting impressive aesthetic effects and new insights from the material.” (28)

Thesis 15 : Rickli draws on video and audio recordings made in a scientific context: he then uses this scientific material to solve certain problems of artistic creation within the framework of his art programme. He thus represents one variant of the science-related artist.

In principle, I am open to concepts of artistic research. When reading relevant texts, however, it has become apparent that the term is used in various contexts that are often not distinguished from one another. Therefore, if no clarification is made, the question “What exactly do you understand by artistic research?” becomes relevant. Thesis 15 now makes it possible to grasp one of these meanings more precisely.

Thesis 16 : The transfer of scientific video and audio recordings into a project of artistic research can be understood as the use of these recordings for a project of artistic creation supported by a particular art programme. Rickli thus succeeded in “eliciting impressive aesthetic effects from the material”.

But does Rickli also arrive at new knowledge? The answer depends on what exactly is meant by knowledge — also here, there is a need for conceptual clarification and a reference to the fact that many different things are referred to as knowledge.

Thesis 17 : If one interprets the concept of cognition to be scientific thought of an empirical-rational nature and its pre-forms in everyday life, then the following applies: The claim that a science-related project of artistic creation reaches new insights in the empirical-rational sense — insights which are directly relevant to the sciences dealing with such aspects of reality — requires examination in each individual case. Such a gaining of insights may be conceivable, but in many cases seems rather unlikely. The following constellation, however, is probably more likely: a science-related project of artistic creation dealing with certain phenomena can help a scientist who is also concerned with these phenomena to come to new ideas, the further pursuit of which then leads to an improved or even completely new theory. It would be worthwhile to examine more closely whether there are cases of this kind and, if so, what the individual effect of art is in encouraging the gain of new scientific knowledge. Furthermore, Rheinberger addresses another way in which science-related art benefits science: “It is important for science to create such points of contact. This opens up the gates to a universe that otherwise remains rather alien to laypersons.” (28)

Thesis 18 : In some cases, science-related art provides the layperson, who may not be able to find direct access to a certain science, with a first access to a universe that seems strange to them.

This is one reasonable option amongst many others.

Picture above the text: Cover picture of the magazine: Resistance Cognition [Widerstand Erkenntnis].

Translated by Rebecca Grundmann.

How to cite this article

Peter Tepe (2020): 18 Theses on Art and Science. w/k–Between Science & Art Journal . https://doi.org/10.55597/e5977
  • Artistic Research
  • cooperation between artists and scientists
  • Empirical Science
  • science-related artist

Prof. Dr. Peter Tepe | Herausgeber Der Herausgeber ist für die Gesamtplanung zuständig und koordiniert die drei Bereiche. Außerdem wirbt er neue Beiträger und Kooperationspartner an und beteiligt sich an der redaktionellen Betreuung der eintreffenden Beiträge. Peter Tepe ist Philosoph, Literaturwissenschaftler und bildender Künstler. Er ist auch nach dem Ende seiner Dienstzeit im Institut für Germanistik und im Institut für Philosophie an der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf verankert, betreut noch viele Doktoranden und leitet weiterhin den von ihm 1987 begründeten interdisziplinären Studien- und Forschungsschwerpunkt Mythos, Ideologie & Methoden.

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Artists’ Books, 19th-Century Landscapes, the Ottonian Dynasty—These Museum Directors’ Thesis Topics Might Surprise You

By Maximilíano Durón

Maximilíano Durón

Senior Editor, ARTnews

Composite image of, clockwise from top left, Melissa Chiu,

Getting the top job at a top museum can involve working in various curatorial and managerial roles for several years, putting together lauded exhibitions, and leading trailblazing initiatives. Sometimes it’s being the first to recognize the merits of an emerging art scene that might otherwise be overlooked. But for many of today’s museum directors, the path starts with completing a post-graduate degree, either a master’s or a doctorate, and in a few notable cases—such as that of MoMA’s Glenn Lowry, who started as a scholar of Islamic art—that thesis or dissertation may have nothing to do with the focus of the museum they end up leading.

We spoke to five museum directors in various parts of the United States and asked them to share the stories of their academic research and what they learned along the way. Many of the directors spoke of the ways in which doing their research, and learning about the specific historical contexts in which art is produced, informs their thinking today. As Rebecca Rabinow , director of the Menil Collection in Houston, put it, “knowing about what was happening at the time the art was made, generally—and, specifically, [what it meant] to the person who was making it—can add levels of richness to the understanding of the work.”

Max Hollein The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Thesis topic: Contemporary art during the market boom of the 1980s

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest museum in the United States and its directorship is perhaps the most coveted art job in the country. Best-known for its encyclopedic collection that spans more than 5,000 years of art making, its director’s expertise in a particular field is perhaps incidental—chances are, the Met has related work in its holdings. (A previous director, Tom Campbell, who’d been a curator at the museum, was known for his focus on medieval tapestries.)

When Max Hollein was announced as the new director of the Met in 2018, he brought with him an expertise in contemporary art, the art market, and business management. In Vienna, he completed two master’s theses: one on business administration that looked at the “distribution channels in the contemporary art market” and the second focused specifically on contemporary art during the boom of the 1980s art market that saw the rise of such art stars as Jeff Koons, Julian Schnabel, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Other people he interviewed for his thesis were dealers Leo Castelli, Larry Gagosian, and Jeffrey Deitch, artists Haim Steinbach, Peter Halley, Claes Oldenburg, and art historian Kirk Varnedoe. Hollein spent two months in New York doing research for his papers, and along the way he was helped by the late media mogul S. I. Newhouse, who ranked among the  ARTnews  Top 200 Collectors each year from 1991 until 2017.

Hollein said that his thesis, which was later published as a book, “deals with the question of how the market influences the reception of art and artists, and if some artists need a booming market to create outstanding work.”

Melissa Chiu Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C.

Dissertation topic: Chinese contemporary art, focusing on artists in diaspora

The original idea to create a museum dedicated to contemporary art in the nation’s capital started in the late 1930s, but because of the Great Depression it never took off. It wasn’t until the 1960s that this idea was revived, when Joseph H. Hirshhorn agreed to donate his collection of modern art to the country, under the aegis of the Smithsonian Institution, to what became the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, which opened in 1974. Among the artworks donated were pieces by Rodin, Picasso, Matisse, Calder, Giacometti, Pollock, and de Kooning. More recently, under the stewardship of its current director, Melissa Chiu, who arrived in 2014, the Hirshhorn has presented daring installations by Mark Bradford, Tino Sehgal, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and acquired 50 works by Marcel Duchamp from Barbara and Aaron Levine.

Chiu, who grew up in Australia, first started going to China in 1992, shortly after the student protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989 that catalyzed a new art scene in the country. “When I said to my supervisor that I wanted to focus on this field,” Chiu remembered, “she asked me, ‘How many books were produced on the topic,’ and I said, ‘two,’ and she said to me that that was not a field of inquiry. But I persisted.” Despite her initial concerns, Chiu’s advisor supported the aspiring curator in her research, which was among the first anywhere in the world to focus on emerging art in China.

“It was for me a formative moment in which I observed an art scene in formation,” Chiu said. Among the artists she focused on are ones that have now become international superstars, acclaimed for their trailblazing work, among them Xu Bing, Cai Guo-Qiang, Chen Zhen, and Huang Yong Ping. Many of them had left China in the 1980s for Paris, New York, and Sydney. (In the years after 2000, several of them returned to China and set up studios, living between China and the cities in which they had been in exile.)

After she was awarded her Ph.D., Chiu published her dissertation and, soon after, founded Gallery 4A in Sydney, a nonprofit space that focused on Asian art. In 2001, Chiu left that post for one at the Asia Society in New York, serving as the institution’s curator of Asian contemporary art, the first such position anywhere in the United States.

“Seeing an entire art scene emerge and being a witness to that does provide me with insights into managing a modern and contemporary art museum,” Chiu said. “Part of our work is not just recognizing the historical elements of 20th-century art but also being able to try to be very attuned to how artists are thinking, to see how things are coalescing at this great pluralistic moment.”

Madeleine Grynsztejn Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago

Thesis topic: 19th-century American landscape painting, focusing on Fitz Hugh Lane

Originally founded as a non-collecting institution in 1967, the MCA Chicago started acquiring work for its permanent collection in 1974 and now has more than 2,500 objects, dating from the 1920s to the present. Important works in the collection include those by Kerry James Marshall, Howardena Pindell, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Gertrude Abercrombie, and Marisol.

When Grynsztejn began her Ph.D. program in art history at Columbia University, she wanted to become an expert in Manet, and began studying with the day’s leading scholar, Theodore Reff. Her focus was on connoisseurship, and to this day, she can still tell a real Manet drawing from a fake. But ultimately she settled on studying 19th-century American landscape painting under Barbara Novak, the great American art history specialist, who also taught at Columbia. “I found myself very surprisingly on this track,” Grynsztejn said, “and the reason I say surprising is that at that time I had very little to do with the United States. I was a recent immigrant. I was a green-card holder. I had grown up in Peru, Venezuela, and England, and so landing on an M.A. on something that was so American, if you will, surprised even me.”

For her master’s thesis, Grynsztejn focused on the little-known American painter Fitz Hugh Lane, tracking his movements around the country in parallel with Emerson’s lecture circuit, which she argued, greatly influenced Lane’s output. “What made me fall in love with that trajectory was that it was fundamentally contextual in its approach in that you didn’t only look at the beauty in the work of art, but you understood it within the larger societal, political, and economic forces that were brought to bear on that particular moment and on that particular artist. It’s how I chose to understand the world,” she said.

Grynsztejn never completed her dissertation—much to Novak’s “chagrin,” as Grynsztejn put it. Relying mostly on secondary sources, she felt she wasn’t able to arrive at something new to say. So she left Columbia and did the Whitney Independent Study Program. “I was looking for a place where I could make an art history my own. And that’s what eventually led me to contemporary art,” Grynsztejn said.

Christina Nielsen The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California

Dissertation topic: Art commissioned by the Ottonians around the year 1000 in Europe

The art collection of the Huntington is perhaps best known for its focus on European art, broadly ranging from the 15th century to the early 20th, with a particular focus on British art from the late 18th century. The two most famous works in its holdings are Thomas Gainsborough’s 1770 portrait The Blue Boy and Thomas Lawrence’s 1794 portrait of Sarah Goodin Barrett Moulton, commonly called Pinkie . Recently, the museum has also started working with contemporary artists, acquiring a video work by Carolina Caycedo produced during a yearlong residency there, and partnering with the Hammer Museum to co-present the upcoming Made in L.A. biennial.

So it might be a surprise that the museum’s director, Christina Nielsen, is actually a medievalist by training. Her dissertation focused on art made in Europe around the year 1000. At the time, the Ottonian Dynasty, which ruled much of modern-day Germany and northern Italy, was trying to solidify its power across Europe. One means to do this was to commission new art objects that reused materials from previous eras, including architectural fragments from Roman buildings and carved ivory panels from about 200 to 300 years earlier made for the Carolingians.

“I find it most exciting to think about when those different cultures butt up against each other and the tensions that produces and the complete paradigm shifts that those things produce and new thoughts and ideas that come out of the meeting across time and place,” Nielsen said.

Since arriving at the Huntington in 2018, Nielsen has focused on how the museum can look at its collection transnationally and across media, and how it can partner with other institutions. “When I talk about transhistorical and transnational exchange or juxtaposition, that’s what I was doing 20 years ago in my Ph.D. research, but I didn’t understand that it was going to set me on this trajectory where I would always seek out exchange between cultural practices,” she said.

Rebecca Rabinow The Menil Collection, Houston

Dissertation topic: Artists’ books published by Tériade during World War II

The Menil Collection started out as just that—a private collection amassed between the 1940s and 1990s by Houston-based oil tycoons Dominique and John de Menil. Their holdings covered quite a range, from Byzantine and medieval works to Surrealism to objects from indigenous cultures of the ancient Americas, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and the Pacific Northwest as well as contemporary artworks that they commissioned by the day’s leading artists, including Mark Rothko, Cy Twombly, Dan Flavin, and Barnett Newman.

Rabinow, who became director of the Menil in 2016, first learned about Tériade through the most famous of the artist books he published, Henri Matisse’s Jazz , while she was an undergrad at Smith College doing a study abroad program in France. At the Musée Matisse in Nice, she was stopped in her tracks by the room holding the artist’s illustrated works. “I just had never seen anything like that,” Rabinow said. “I didn’t know these kinds of things existed, that Matisse had done them. I refused to go on the rest of the tour.”

When she started work on her Ph.D., Rabinow thought she would study Soviet art, but returned to her earlier love of Matisse, which eventually led to her meeting Tériade’s widow, who had shoeboxes filled with his correspondence with the artists he contracted to work on the books. Tériade was an art critic who had first moved to France to study law in Marseille, but quickly left that career path and moved to Paris, where he befriended some of the leading artists of the time, among them Matisse, Pierre Bonnard, Fernand Léger, Le Corbusier, Alberto Giacometti, and Georges Rouault.

Beginning in 1943 Tériade contacted several of his artist friends about working on a project that would provide people with a distraction from the ongoing war. “There were different points where Tériade was getting depressed,” Rabinow said. “He was isolated from Paris, he was isolated from his community. He felt very alone and was asking himself why he was he doing this. But among the letters I found, somebody wrote, ‘The public is eager for artistic food and escape from current events.’”

Among the other artists’ books Tériade published were Bonnard’s Correspondence , a fictionalized account of a summer early in the artist’s life that many scholars once took as fact, and Rouault’s Divertissement , or “Amusements,” created to entertain two grandsons for whom Rouault was caring in his third-floor apartment on the French Riviera at a time when food was short and movie theaters had closed.

“It was rather extraordinary to read some of this again,” Rabinow said, “because the parallels between then and now—take the war out of it—but there are a lot of things that have a resonance that I hadn’t recognized back in the ’90s when I wrote this.”

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Recent MAEd topics in Art Education

MAEd Applied Projects are found through the UGA Libraries repository ScholarWorksUGA . 

Walking, Listening, Making: A Collaborative, Arts-Based Investigation of Place & Belonging for a Group of College Freshman Women Ansley O’Neal, 2021

Relationships, Place, and Play: Connections Between Online Photo-Sharing and Making Pictures in the Middle School Art Classroom Mary Elizabeth Garrett, 2021

Student Choice and Voice: A Transition to Choice-Based Art Education Lisa Marie Chalfant, 2019

Discovering Cultural Capital and Funds of Knowledge Through Art Sketchbook Dialogues Dylan Chase Slaton, 2019

Understanding Black Feminist Theory and the Representation of African American Women’s Art in Museums: Engaging Black Women in Critical Dialogue Amber Coleman, 2018

Collaborative Art Installation Carlin Brownlee, 2018

An Invitation to Reimagine: Engaging with Social Justice in the High School Art Classroom Christine Wu, 2017

Art Education and Homeschooling: How Visual Arts are Integrated into Home School Learning Amber Waters Pitt, 2017

Recent PhD topics in Art Education

PhD dissertations are found through the UGA Libraries repository ScholarWorksUGA . 

Attuning to the Natureculture of Schooling in the Anthropocene: Ecologically-Responsive Art Provocations with Elementary Students Heather Hudgins Silver, PhD, December 2022

Gendered Threads: A Speculative Analysis of the Spacetimemattering of Women's Fiber Crafting Andrea Ezell Elliott, PhD, December 2022

Memes to Inspire: A Qualitative Case Study of Internet Meme-Making as Digital Art Activism Jhih-Yin "Diane" Lee, Ph.D., August 2022

A Foucauldian Genealogy of Teacher Effectiveness Discourse: Exploring the Impact on Art Education Abby Newland, Ph.D., May 2021

Encountering Rhizomatic Relations at the Rural External(Ity) of an Art Museum: A Deleuzian Inquiry on the Possibilities of Rural Access Mallory Lind, Ph.D., May 2021

Exploring Nuances of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children's Voices Through Art and Play Nara Kim, Ph.D., August 2020

Meshworks of Storied Matter: Becoming with Discarded Objects through Participatory Public Art Interventions Kira Hegeman, Ph.D., May, 2019

Making Art, Making Meaning: Examining the Experience of Artmaking in an Art Museum Callan Elizabeth Steinmann, Ph.D., August 2017 

Teachers’ Perceptions of a Collaborative Arts Professional Development Workshop Nancy D. Herlihy, Summer 2016

Instanbul Beloved: A Researcher in the Bound Unity of Others Sonya Turkman, Spring 2016

Piggies and Portraits Competing at the County Fair: An Ethnographic Case Study of Student Art Competitions Frances Vaughn, 2016

The Possibilities of Freedom Within A High School Mixed Media Classroom Amy Workman, 2016

Seeking Wide-awakeness: An Exploration of Engagement in a High School Visual Arts Course Rebecca Williams, 2015

Painting a Picture of Change: Veteran Art Teachers’ Perspectives of Standards, Assessments, and Accountability in the Art Classroom Drew Brown, 2015

The Triadic Tangle: The Influence of Implicit Beliefs and Expressive Outcomes on the Creative Becoming of Three Art Methods Students Tammy Catherine Cline, 2015

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Home > Theses and Dissertations

Art Therapy | Theses and Dissertations

As the only Master of Arts in Art Therapy program in Northern California, Dominican University of California offers an intimate on-campus learning environment designed to prepare students for successful careers in art therapy while encouraging the artistic and therapeutic process.

This site brings together a collection of master's theses and doctoral dissertations from the students of the Art Therapy program.

Theses/Capstones from 2024 2024

An Integrative Somatic Art Therapy Approach: EMDR & Body-Based Practices for Traumatic Stress , Alexis Sorbara

Chosen Family in LGBTQ+ Community: Creating Feeling of Safety Through Collage in Art Therapy , Zaina Berger

Fantasia on a Theme of Purpose: Using a Music-Guided Scribble Technique to Support Meaning-Making in Older Adult Retiree Musicians , Sophia R. Smith

My Body as a Journey Accessing Pre-colonial Identity for Healing Intergenerational Transgender Shame , Jennifer Lagman

Online Friendships and the Bird’s Nest Drawing in the Age of the Internet , Ian Wong

Theses/Capstones from 2023 2023

Altered Stories, Altered Lives: An Exploration of Post Traumatic Growth from A Narrative Perspective with a Strengths Based Focus , Andrea Jones

Clay Use as Mindfulness for Women in Early Substance Use Recovery , Cheryl Feldman

Complex Narratives of Individuals Living with Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). A mixed-methods investigation: examined through self-reported data, in-person interviews, and a group body mapping art therapy intervention , Sylvan Streightiff

Cultural Identity of And Implications for Later Generational Hispanic and Latino Populations In The United States , Tara Bustamante

Evoking the Art of Nature , Tessa R. Evans Keime

Exploring the Connection between Social Media & Body-Image and the Impact of Art Therapy Interventions on a Woman’s Self-Esteem , Courtney Engelhardt

Exploring Whether a Collage Art Intervention Enhances Levels of Resilience in Asian Americans Who Have Experienced Emotional Suppression , Casey Galaura

In-Between Space: Latinas Sharing their Stories of Cultural Integration , Maria Elena Fuster

Memes to Cope and Communicate , Priscilla (Nox) Ngo

The Course of COVID: How Has the Pandemic Changed the Ways Therapists Use Art in Their Therapeutic Practice? , Deborah Sharpe

Theses/Capstones from 2022 2022

Art Making To Reduce Stress in First-Generation and Second-Generation Hispanic Immigrant Parents , Maria Zepeda

A Survey Measuring the Impact of a Silk-Screen Printing Art Therapy Session on Psychological Aspects in Mothers of Children with Cancer: A Pilot Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia , Maha Rashed

Does Attachment Predict Coping Strategies? An In-Depth Look At Millennials During COVID-19 , Clinton Johnson

Doodling as Self-Expression: Building Self-Efficacy in Normally Functioning Adults , Journey Coward

Failure: A Heuristic Inquiry of the Experience of Failure Through a Nature Based Art Therapy Process , Lisa Manthe

Healing Racial Trauma and Reframing the Miseducation of U.S. America: Altering Exclusionary Textbooks as a Therapeutic Experiential , Kamaria Erin Wells

Illuminating the Increase of Intentional Dating in the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Connection to Relationship Satisfaction through the Lens of Photography. , Caitlin Carnegie

Improving Cognitive Decline for Persons Living with Dementia: Art Therapy Assessment and Interventions Based on the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) Framework , Jinnie Jeon

Putting the Pieces Back Together: Using a Kintsugi-Influenced Directive to Promote Self-Forgiveness and Resiliency in Young Adults with Shame and Guilt , Marieev Krista Princer

The Therapeutic Benefits of Children’s Literature: Responding Through Making Art and Writing Stories , Janae Dueck

ZAP: Zoom Art Program with Adults Living with Acquired Brain Injury The Effect of Using Videoconferencing to Deliver ACT Art Therapy Intervention , Shari Weiser

Theses/Capstones from 2021 2021

An Art-Based Heuristic Study: How a Male Student with Asperger’s Syndrome Completed an Art Therapy Master’s Program , Stephen David Robertson

COVID-19: Our Hopes and Dreams , Anna Bazis Christie

Individual versus Sequential: The Potential of Comic Creation in Art Therapy , Christine Phang

Perspectives of a Diasporan: A Heuristic, Arts-Based Inquiry of the Importance of Therapy in Armenia , Anna Nairi Muradyan

The Meeting of Two Minds in the Intermediate State: The Art Therapist as a Guide in the In-Between, Immersed and Assisted by Contemplative and Transpersonal Theory , Samantha Mach

Where the Glass Glows: Unpacking the Therapeutic Experiences of Adult Students in a Community-Based Open Glass Studio During a Pandemic , Shelly A. Palmer

Theses/Capstones from 2020 2020

Ambiguous Loss of Dementia: Identity Exploration through Narrative Inquiry and Collage , Kayla Ormandy

Exploring Pathways Toward Psychobiological Safety through Mindful Body-centered Art Making with Sheltered Homeless Women , Alicia L. Dabney

Focusing-Oriented Art Therapy and Connectedness: Art as a Means to Spiritual Care for Asian Seniors , Chia-Yun Chiang

Seeing Resilience: A Qualitative and Arts-Based Research Study to Understand Images Made in a Photography-Based Mentoring Program , Sarah E. Kremer

Theses/Capstones from 2019 2019

Art and Drumming: A Study on Affect, Attachment and Self-Esteem within the Older Adult Population , Deanna Mank

Art Based Communication for Individuals with Dissociative Spectrum Disorders , Cynthia Wilson

Cultural Wellness Trends Assessed with Art Therapy , Lara Juhasz

Empowering Korean Adolescent Girls Using Smartphones as a Stimulus for Creative Expression: Response Art and Dialogue , Jee Hyun Kim

Theses/Capstones from 2018 2018

Yoga, Flow and Art Therapy: An Investigation Into Yoga's Effects on the Creative Process , Megan E. Lear

Theses/Capstones from 2017 2017

A Heuristic and Qualitative Study Investigating the Mechanisms of Change in Art Therapy , Brooke J. Sevin

A Study of Art Therapy in Identity Exploration and Self-Efficacy , Christine Cavasinni

Theses/Capstones from 2016 2016

Acquiring New Knowledge Through Art Self-Exploration and Collective Journaling to Enhance Cultural Humility in Art Therapy , Louvenia Jackson

Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Chinese American Women Cancer Survivors Through Art Therapy , Judy Thai

Amplified Voices: Art-Based Inquiry Into Elder Communication , Erin Partridge

An art therapy approach to increase the self-esteem of Latina pre-adolescent girls using narrative therapy , Amy Barron

Art and recovery: Utilizing art therapy to promote progression within a 12-step porgram for adults recovering from alcoholism and alcohol abuse disorder , Leslie Mueller

Art Response to Confusion, Uncertainty, and Curiosity During Group Art Therapy Supervision , Gwen J. Sanders

Art Therapy as a Support: for the Acculturation of East Asian International Students in the United States , Ie Roon Jung

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2024 MFA Thesis Exhibition: Another Day at The Orifice

2024 MFA Thesis Exhibition. Background image by Anna Hagadorn (BDes 2020)

  • May 28–June 9, 2024
  • 2-7pm Daily, by appointment only June 7-9
  • Opening Reception:  May 30, 7-9pm
  • Closing Reception:  Thursday, June 6, 6-9pm

Description

The University of Washington School of Art + Art History + Design is pleased to present the 2024 MFA Thesis Exhibition: Another Day at The Orifice, from May 28 through June 9 at Railspur (Top Floor). Join us for the opening reception on May 30, 7-9pm, and the closing reception on Thursday, June 6, 6-9pm during the Pioneer Square First Thursday Art Walk. Throughout their programs, graduate students work with their advisors and other artists to develop advanced techniques, expand concepts, discuss critical issues, and emerge with a vision and direction for their work. Another Day at The Orifice features the cumulative thesis work of the eight graduates receiving a Master of Fine Arts degree in Photo/Media, Painting + Drawing, and 3D4M: ceramics + glass + sculpture.

2024 MFA Graduates: Dave Braun, FS Bàssïbét, Rachel Dorsey, Amara Eke, Ren Han, Michael Hong, Ali Meyer, Kevin Phan

Gallery Hours

2-7pm Daily from May 28 – June 6

By appointment only on June 7–9 (graduation weekend).

Book an appointment now.

Location + Accessibility

The Top Floor at Railspur is a 14,000-square-foot space inside a historic 1906 brick building at 419 Occidental Avenue South. The entrance to the top floor is through the alley (direction signs will be placed around the building). There is wheelchair access throughout the building.

Transportation

The RailSpur building is readily accessible via public transportation—Metro bus lines, the Light Rail (pioneer station), and the First Hill Streetcar. Garage and street parking are also available in the area. It is highly recommended to use public transit, specially on game days and during the Pioneer Square First Thursday Art Walk.

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Portal that connects NYC to Dublin shuts down to address 'inappropriate behavior'

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FLATIRON, Manhattan (WABC) -- A new art installation in New York City that transports viewers more than 3,000 miles away to Dublin will temporarily shut down Tuesday to address some bad behavior.

The installation, called the Portal, features two identical sculptures with a visual live stream connecting the two cities. It was unveiled last Wednesday next to the famed Flatiron Building.

It allows visitors to watch and interact with each other and has already attracted tens of thousands of visitors.

thesis topics about art

Although it has been less than a week since its debut, organizers realized there is a problem amid reports of inappropriate behavior such as people flashing body parts or putting curse words on screen.

"The overwhelming majority of visitors have behaved appropriately and experienced the sense of joy and connectedness that this work of public art is intended to evoke," the Flatiron NoMad Partnership said in a statement. "Instances of inappropriate behavior have come from a very small minority of Portal visitors and have been amplified on social media."

Dublin's city council said in a statement it was looking for ways to come up with a solution to the bad behavior while keeping the portal open so the good intentions behind it can continue.

On the New York side, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership said there are a set of protocols in place since the launch, including 24/7 on-site security and barriers to prevent the public from stepping onto the Portal.

"The Portals team and our partners in Dublin are working on additional solutions including software updates to limit such behavior appearing on the livestream; additional on-site staffing; barriers to prevent people from stepping onto the Dublin Portal; and educational tools on how to best interact with the Portal on both sides," the statement went on to say.

In order to implement those solutions, the Portal will be turned off for a few days, starting at 5 p.m. New York City time on Tuesday, and will be back by the end of the week.

The portals were initially set to remain open 24/7 for the next six months through the fall.

ALSO READ | Rutgers doctoral student gives birth on same day she defends dissertation

thesis topics about art

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  1. 136 Most Interesting Art Research Paper Topics

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    The following are the 10 best art history research paper topics to consider; Comparing artistic freedom and censorship in Nazi Germany. History of Art: From the canvas age to photography. Research of medieval England Gothic art. Abstract Expressionism history in Art. History of Expressionism in Western Europe.

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    Here are some art research paper topics: The elements of minimalism art in Specific Objects by Donald Judd. Discuss the rise of minimal art. How the purely visual response impacted minimalism art. Minimalism: Demystifying art and revealing its fundamental character. Explain the concept of pure aestheticism.

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    Art History Thesis Topics on the Late Gothic Period. Significant stylistic changes from the Romanesque style of the 12th century. The relationship between the great cathedrals of Europe and the late Gothic period. Monumental sculptures in the cathedrals of Europe. The relevance of Abbey Church of St. Denis in Gothic architecture.

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    Art history entails the study of Art from the ancient era to the present, including cultural ideals, aesthetics, philosophies, and techniques related to Art. People have been immersing themselves in various forms of Art for centuries. As a result, there are a plethora of topics in art history. These topics are the perfect blend of themes and ...

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    Local Street Art and Graffiti . Manrique, Danielle F. (Danielle F. Manrique, 2015-01-13) The Masters Research Project examines how local street art and graffiti might be integrated in a curricular design. The research takes place in Bogota, Colombia. This city has become renowned for its street art and graffiti ...

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    ZAP: Zoom Art Program with Adults Living with Acquired Brain Injury The Effect of Using Videoconferencing to Deliver ACT Art Therapy Intervention, Shari Weiser. Theses/Capstones from 2021 Link. An Art-Based Heuristic Study: How a Male Student with Asperger's Syndrome Completed an Art Therapy Master's Program, Stephen David Robertson. Link

  25. 2024 MFA Thesis Exhibition: Another Day at The Orifice

    Exhibition. May 28-June 9, 2024; 2-7pm Daily, by appointment only June 7-9; Opening Reception: May 30, 7-9pm Closing Reception: Thursday, June 6, 6-9pm Description. The University of Washington School of Art + Art History + Design is pleased to present the 2024 MFA Thesis Exhibition: Another Day at The Orifice, from May 28 through June 9 at Railspur (Top Floor).

  26. Portal NYC: Art installation that connects NYC to Dublin, Ireland shuts

    FLATIRON, Manhattan (WABC) -- A new art installation in New York City that transports viewers more than 3,000 miles away to Dublin will temporarily shut down Tuesday to address some bad behavior.