Hacia una historia del arte regional. Reflexiones en torno al comparativismo para el estudio de procesos culturales en Sudamérica

Abstract

This paper sets out to review considerations on the use of comparative approaches as a methodology of study and proposes a way of dealing with the construction of regional Art Histories. Following a brief overview and appraisal of the debates attested in the literature it aims to reposition Comparative History as an appropriate methodology for considering the processes of Modern Art in South American metropolises and to generate readings which go beyond national boundaries. With this purpose in mind, the article proposes the definition of "link-terms" which can be tested in the study of South America visual arts. The "link-terms" projected for this methodological approach are the "exhibition device for diplomatic exchange" and monochrome painting; these, applied to particular cases, facilitate a comparative analysis. The research was aimed at establishing exploration cores so as better to perceive similarities and differences within a common panorama.