# Interlude 1: Crablike Collective Moves

## TL;DR

This paper explores new ways of thinking about and presenting art history through collective efforts and diverse perspectives.

## Contribution

It introduces a polyphonic approach to art history, emphasizing collective authorship and new methodological frameworks.

## Key findings

- The authors aim to move beyond traditional, reductive art history methods.
- They discuss transnationalism, globalism, and artist-centric narratives.
- The interlude highlights collaborative efforts among authors and artists.

## Abstract

This interlude follows the AAH conference, when all of the authors who contribute to the special journal edition are present. Their wide-ranging conversation covers the idea and possibilities of a polyphonic history of art. This interlude is a starting point, a jumping off point from where a group of authors, researchers and artists reflect on new ways of thinking about, and new ways of presenting, art history. Their conversation develops an ambition to move away from the well-trodden and often reductive methodological frameworks of art history, as they debate ideas around transnationalism, globalism, artist-centric art histories and the idea of artist as author. This interlude is about collective endeavours, both by the subjects being discussed in each paper, and by the authors who are writing about them.