Globalisation and the arts: the rise of new democracy, or just another pretty suit for the old emperor?

Abstract

This paper addresses the topic of the globalisation of the arts and concerns brought about by the advent of post-colonial art and theory. Utilising the actual theoretical discussions on globalisation and aesthetic pluralisation, the writer investigates the ways in which contemporary visual arts serves to challenge existing Western aesthetic theory. The writer uses contemporary Australian Aboriginal arts as an example of modern hybrid world art that has sought to keep ancient traditions alive while at the same time transforming these old aesthetic forms to better fit the criteria and needs of the global art scene. When considering these transformations, she also points out how the globalisation of the arts still retains much of the old colonial power structures, although this power makes itself visible in partly new forms.