Art Decolonization

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

The seminar introduces a wide range of artistic and curatorial practices that build on radical critiques of neocolonial patterns in the arts. On the one hand, we will explore the historical and theoretical backdrop that informs these practices. But just as importantly, the seminar will emphasize efforts that move beyond critique alone, and point to examples of new propositions, structures and working criteria, however incomplete or speculative. On various levels, the course will be closely tied to the concurrent exhibition We Refused, curated by Vasif Kortun & Nadia Radwan, opening 31 October 2025. The theoretical component of the seminar will address the establishment of decolonization as a key working term with considerable traction across the Global South as well as the West, particularly within the field of contemporary art. Which definitions and working premises currently hold sway among artists today? And how can contemporary art contribute to the debate around decolonization; which are its specific strengths and limitations in light of the historical questions that are raised by said debate? Readings will include critical theorizations of the dominant working paradigms of contemporary art, the role of art in recent settings of extractive economies and neocolonial settings, and literature pertaining to ongoing artistic and curatorial experiments in decolonization – some of which will feature in the Mathaf Doha exhibition We Refused. In order to activate and maximize collective discussion, sessions will include group excursions, collective readings, breakout groups and guest speakers. Students will also be required to lead the seminar discussions at least once over the course of the semester, also by means of short presentations of ca. 15 minutes. These presentations and discussion are meant to be informal, but must address the core concerns of the readings, along with three to four questions for the group to address.