BA in Art History

Sabriyyah Abdullah, 2025

Why did you choose art history as a major?  

Since I was a child, I have always been in creative spaces where I was allowed to be artistic. Growing up taking various dance classes, playing instruments, and creating art projects in elementary and middle school allowed me to develop my love and interest for the arts as a whole. Although I didn’t learn much about art history in elementary and middle school, I still had the opportunity to cultivate my art interests and knowledge with my various art courses and visits to museums in the area, and a piece I created was selected for display in a local and admired museum as part of a program for youth artists. I did not yet know of the possibilities of learning art history at a higher level.  

When I decided to transfer from the university I attended at the end of my first year, I had to choose the school that would better support my educational and career interests. As I looked at Mason and the undergraduate courses they offered, I instantly became glued. Although I was a history major for that first year, I found myself ecstatic and intrigued by the art history classes and the material that would be taught. Getting to learn about art within a historical setting was the beginning of a passion that continues to grow for me. I chose art history as a major because it aligned with where I saw myself happy, fulfilled, captivated, and in my best creative self. Getting to further learn about history and the contexts around the world aided in my decision.

Being in this program has truly made me feel like I belong and that I am in the right place. This is where my passion lies, and what I learn and do feels rewarding and comfortable to me. The material has not been the only reason – I have had incredible professors over the years. The art history professors who taught my classes are all amazing educators and supporters who provided insightful lessons on the material and were there to assist with any of my concerns and questions. People can truly impact your experiences, and I am grateful that the ones here have done it in an amazing, dedicated, creative, and cultivating way.  
 
Are you minoring or double majoring in anything else? If so, how do the two work together – or separately?  

I have a minor in Classical Studies which I added at the beginning of my time at Mason, and a second minor in Museum Studies that I was grateful to be able to secure the fall semester before graduation. The fact that these fields of study are related to each other and to my major has helped me, because the material, although different in ways, can be quite similar in the historical periods covered, the presence and application of art, and the critical thinking needed for assignments or exams.  
 
What have you learned in an art history class that really surprised you/changed your perspective? 

I already knew that the history of women's experience has been viewed through the lenses of men and told without women’s voices, but the breadth of the repression wasn’t clear to me until my classes in art history. Learning about women and young girls whose lives were destroyed, unappreciated, and forgotten is an experience that continues to impact me. The roles and situations that women were forced into, and the lack of autonomy and support for women’s desires and goals, is often jarring, sad, and at times frustrating to learn about, but this knowledge is significant to keeping these women’s experiences alive. My perspective has broadened and strengthened my need for women in art and history to be respected, acknowledged, and protected. I have a renewed drive to share the stories of historical women who were mistreated in history and are still unfairly regarded because of that – artists whose work did not get the recognition or support they deserved, whose destiny was already carved out by those around them, and whose opportunities to follow their dreams were thwarted.  
 
Tell us about your dream occupation… 

Doing work where I can be creative, experience art history, and make improvements to the usage, presentation, and perception of art in public spaces is what I would love. Whether that is in a museum, gallery, or school, my dream occupation would help others experience art in an encouraging, supportive, and educational space. I would like to create changes for the better of the planet, the arts, and how art history is learned and presented institutionally. Since my elementary arts class, I have been supported in my artistic aspirations so it would be so meaningful if I could continue it personally and for others.  
 
Have you had any interesting internships, jobs, or study abroad experiences? Tell us about it/them. 

During my Spring 2023 semester at GMU I did a study abroad semester in Florence, Italy. To say that was one of the best periods so far would be an understatement. My love for the culture and country came long before I began taking art history courses at Mason, but my passion for the arts deepened in them. Learning more about the Renaissance and viewing more Renaissance works of art made me excited to choose Florence as my study abroad location. Although there were some hiccups in the process leading up to the start of the semester, it all ended up working out. This was my first time traveling internationally by myself, without my family, so this was a daunting decision in many ways. Though I was taking Italian the semester prior, and learning it on my own, it was a huge step to be immersed in the country and to have to speak the language. Getting to visit museums and going around the city, I saw so much art and echoes of the past that I loved and enjoyed being around every day. Acclimatizing and adapting to the weather, language, travel, and way of life for the months that I had there taught me so much and changed my outlook on life.

Spring of ‘24 I interned at Graphic Studio Dublin in Dublin, Ireland where I had an incredible introduction to the world of printmaking. Being in a studio for most of the week, being around artists, and interacting with artists about their crafts and life was such a rewarding experience and one that I cherish. I got to learn about traditional and modern printmaking techniques through research, work on marketing for their workshops, and create some of my own Intaglio Etching proofs with the help of my administrator, who specializes in that style of printmaking. Although I interned at the organization’s Gallery for only a shorter period, I still gained knowledge of that world and the commercial side of works that are for purchase in that international location.

In the spring of ‘25 I began interning at Mason Exhibitions and I am grateful to be in a space where I can learn the processes and work that go into exhibitions, be around art collections, learn from others, and be in a collaborative and positive environment.