South African Journal of Art History

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Critical Discourse in South African Art History

Introduction

Welcome to the South African Journal of Art History information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of South African Journal of Art History, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageMulti-Language
ISSN0258-3542
PublisherART HISTORICAL WORK GROUP SOUTH AFRICA-AHWG
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationSOUTH AFR J ART HIST / South Afr. J. Art Hist.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressART HISTORICAL WORK GROUP SOUTH AFRICA-AHWG, PRETORIA 00000, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The South African Journal of Art History focuses on a broad spectrum of art historical research, engaging with various cultural, historical, and theoretical frameworks. Its core areas revolve around the intersection of art, society, and identity within both historical and contemporary contexts. The journal aims to contribute unique perspectives on South African art and its global connections.
  1. Interdisciplinary Art Historical Research:
    The journal emphasizes research that crosses disciplinary boundaries, integrating perspectives from history, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies to enrich the understanding of art.
  2. Focus on South African Contexts:
    A consistent focus is placed on the South African art scene, exploring local artists, movements, and historical events that shape the country's artistic landscape.
  3. Exploration of Cultural Identity:
    The journal examines how art reflects and constructs cultural identities, particularly in post-colonial contexts, addressing themes of race, gender, and heritage.
  4. Theoretical and Methodological Innovations:
    It encourages innovative theoretical frameworks and methodologies, promoting critical discourse around contemporary art practices and historical interpretations.
  5. Engagement with Contemporary Issues:
    Articles often address contemporary social and political issues, examining how art responds to and influences societal changes.
The journal's recent publications highlight several emerging themes that reflect current trends in art historical research, demonstrating a responsiveness to contemporary issues and evolving methodologies.
  1. Myth and Metaphor in Art:
    Recent articles delve into the use of myth and metaphor, particularly in relation to African cultural contexts, suggesting an emerging interest in symbolic interpretations of art.
  2. Contemporary Sociopolitical Contexts:
    There is an increasing focus on how contemporary art engages with sociopolitical issues, such as colonial histories and identity politics, indicating a trend towards art as a medium for social commentary.
  3. Interactivity and Participation in Art Practices:
    Themes surrounding participatory art practices, such as community engagement and collaborative projects, are gaining traction, reflecting a broader interest in the role of audiences in the creation and interpretation of art.
  4. Environmental and Ecological Themes:
    Emerging discussions on art's relationship to environmental issues and ecological awareness are appearing, highlighting an awareness of global challenges in the context of artistic expression.
  5. Global Perspectives on Local Art Practices:
    The journal is increasingly publishing works that explore South African art within global frameworks, indicating a trend towards comparative studies that situate local practices within international dialogues.

Declining or Waning

While certain themes have historically been significant to the journal, some areas of focus appear to be declining in prominence based on recent publications. This may reflect broader shifts in the discourse surrounding art history and changing academic interests.
  1. Traditional Historical Narratives:
    There seems to be a waning interest in traditional art historical narratives that focus solely on canonical works and artists from Western art history, as the journal increasingly prioritizes contemporary and localized perspectives.
  2. Exclusive Focus on Architectural History:
    While architectural discussions remain relevant, there is a noticeable decline in articles dedicated solely to historical architectural studies without connecting them to broader cultural or societal themes.
  3. Limited Exploration of Non-Visual Arts:
    There is a reduced emphasis on non-visual arts such as performance, music, and digital media, indicating a shift towards more visual-centric studies in the journal's recent publications.

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