Foreword

We present the fifth issue of Aspectus with the particular pride that a notable anniversary deserves. This issue demonstrates a remarkable scope of academic work, covering subjects from antiquity to the present day, from Hong Kong to London. Such breadth indicates the strength and depth of our department. We are so grateful for the continued support of the university and the faculty in the History of Art Department, in particular Professor Liz Prettejohn, Head of Department, and Professor Tim Ayers, incoming Research Programmes Director.

The themes that emerge in this issue provoke big questions about our discipline. What is the role of art in the twenty-first century, for viewers and for artists? How do museums respond to the changing expectations of the visiting public? What is the relationship between the art market and art historical scholarship? Where is the line between art and craft, and should we continue to draw it? This issue's deliberation over these questions helps to push the narrative of art history forward while also demonstrating the success of the University of York as a centre for these discussions.

As the United Kingdom faces a challenging political and economic climate, it is more important than ever that excellent scholarship be freely accessible to all. Aspectus remains an open-access publication. This is a core tenet of our mission and undergirds our work in every way. We believe that our work should be available to everyone who wishes to read it. Thank you to our readers, as always.

Signed,

Susie Beckham & Eliza Goodpasture

Co-Editors in Chief, 2022-2023

Lead Image credit: Room 2. Sonia Boyce, Feeling Her Way, Leeds Art Gallery, May 2023. © Rob Battersby. Courtesy of Leeds Art Gallery.