When looking at inclusions and exclusions to Art: A Brief History, it is important to reflect on how art evolves and how it can serve modern audiences. One good revision for inclusion could be to include more modern art like digital art forms. You could exclude some amount of the European history to accommodate for more diverse cultures and traditions.
Wunderkammer 2020
The fast change in technology has transformed how new art can be created, shown, and possibly understood. This transformation should need to be covered in the study of art history. Digital art forms such as NFTs, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and others would modernize the relevance of the book which could lead to better engagement between students and other people reading. These forms represent a fusion of art and technology, which pushes the boundaries of the definitions of art. These forms challenge usual art as static and physical objects by prioritizing digital innovation. For instance, the image to your left is from Olafur Eliasson's Wunderkammer. This type of artwork engages with audiences in whole new ways. Including these new topics and pieces of art would not only reflect the current art landscape but would also show how artists and others respond to digital art.
European art periods such as the Renaissance, Baroque, and more are often given a good amount of coverage throughout the book, and rightfully so. These periods are rich in culture and some artistic achievements, featuring some works by Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and more. However, some sections within this period could be more condensed to make more space for more exploration of other traditions. For example, focusing on more key figures and artworks within these periods can show their significance. This approach allows the book to include lesser-covered traditions and regions such as African, Asian, and other art forms which are valuable and can show art pieces across other cultures.
African Nok Head (500 B.C. - 200 A.D.)