MA in History of Arts - Queer Studies in Philadelphia United States | University of Pennsylvania

Queer Studies in Art History begins with the understanding that while the arts have frequently served as a sanctuary for those marginalized by their sexuality, they have rarely embodied complete liberation. Queer artists have historically employed diverse tactics to conceal imagery that might expose their sexual identity, often creating works that carried distinct meanings for audiences with varying levels of awareness. Direct depictions of queer sexuality in art remain uncommon, as queer expression more often manifests through absence, symbolism, coded language, and artistic disguise—revealing sexual difference in what remains unspoken between representations rather than in explicit portrayals. Although queer studies has relevance across all academic disciplines, it finds particularly strong resonance in 19th and 20th century art, American art, and Contemporary art. Our approach consistently examines queerness through an intersectional lens, recognizing that sexuality always intersects with gender, race, class, as well as complex considerations of historical context, location, and ways of knowing.