Thirteenth International Conference on The Arts in Society

Abstract

Art history as a discipline is all encompassing and an academic discipline which is gaining strong interest in articulating societal issues through the visual arts. The reliving of memories of events as in relates to various art historical periods, help to institutionalise and engrain in the memories the potencies of art history in projecting peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution in the society. This paper evaluates issues surrounding peace and conflict resolution, using a qualitative research approach, while using the concept of negative and positive peace imageries to advance the discussion as opined by Rank (2008), Shank and Schirch (2008). Arguably, understanding past events, documenting same and making projections help in resolving conflicts, which the understanding of art history can vociferously advance in the visual arts. Works created by artists in their studios find expression through art historical discussions and bring to the fore salient issues. In a society like Jos, Plateau State Nigeria, where sustainable peace is becoming elusive due to protracted conflicts arising from ethnic, religious, social and political differences, making peace building and conflict resolution ongoing dialogue in the society will institutionalise memories and serves as a panacea for recurrent conflicts. The paper concludes by preferring solutions to some lingering issues on how to re-evaluate how art history can stand at the crossroad of mediating and advancing issues for peace discussions.