One of the implicit rules of the art has been that it was created by, for, and about a limited set of body types. From where paintings are placed to what counts as "naturalistic," many key aspects of art are based on a normative body. Furthermore, most histories of art do not take the variety of bodies into account. By bringing fat studies, as well as companion theories of the othered body produced by disability studies, critical race theory, and feminist discourses to bear on the process of surveying the history of art, "Looking Fat" seeks to literally take up new viewing positions. In this mini course we will critique traditional ideas about viewers of art and begin the process of describing alternatives. These include responding to depictions of space while worrying about whether your body will fit, the role of proportion in art, and how certain applications of artistic materials echo the protrusions and mushiness of fat. We will also look at the various and varying meanings of large bodies and the possibilities of fattening our experiences of art.

All materials available on Canvas.

Estimated cost of materials: $1-50.

HISTART Concentration Distributions: D. Europe and the US, 3. Early Modern, 4.Modern and Contemporary.