Why I Believe Art History Matters

When I first told friends and family that I was majoring in art history at UC Berkeley, I was met with the same reactions over and over again—raised eyebrows, confused pauses, and the inevitable follow-up question: “Why? How is that useful?” I learned quickly that I’d have to defend my choice, not only to skeptical family members and friends but sometimes even to myself. But the truth is, majoring in art history was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What drew me in was more than just a love for aesthetic visual culture. It was the way art opens up windows into the past—how an image or motif can reveal the political climate of an era, the societal norms of a culture, or the personal struggles of an individual artist. At Berkeley, art history wasn’t just about memorizing dates, names, or identifying artistic techniques. It is about utilizing nuanced historical and contemporary frameworks to critically and empathetically engage with various kinds of visual material.

Through this major, I engaged deeply with interdisciplinary studies. I wasn’t just learning about art. I was learning about philosophy, literature, religion, gender theory, political science, ecology, biology, critical race studies, and economics, all through the lens of visual culture. I studied architecture as a tool of empire, examined religious imagery as a form of propaganda, and wrote essays unpacking the inherent colonial undertones of European portraiture. I learned how to write clearly, argue persuasively, and describe thoughtfully—skills I now use daily, no matter the context.

Art history also gave me a broader understanding of world cultures. It pushed me to consider perspectives beyond the Western canon and taught me to question whose voices have been privileged and whose have been silenced. In doing so, it reshaped the way I see not just art, but the world itself. Ultimately, the major is an incredibly dynamic field that constantly evolves with time, reflecting the changes in society, culture, and artistic expression. As an art history enthusiast and graduate, I find it fascinating, and essential, to observe and analyze the trends that shape the way we perceive and appreciate art.