personal statement examples for history of art

History of Art BA Personal Statement Example

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• Published: 5th July 2023
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Art has the remarkable ability to transcend time, culture, and language, offering us a glimpse into the beauty and complexities of human expression throughout history. With an unwavering passion for visual arts and a desire to unravel the stories behind masterpieces, I am delighted to apply for a place on the BA History of Art degree, as it presents an incredible opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of art history and develop a profound understanding of its social, cultural, and historical significance.

Choosing the BA History of Art degree was a natural progression for me. Throughout my academic journey, I have cultivated a deep appreciation for various art movements and have consistently sought to expand my knowledge in this field. Whether it is the harmonious brushstrokes of the Renaissance masters or the bold experimentation of the contemporary art scene, I am enthralled by the ways in which art reflects and shapes societies, challenging conventions and sparking important conversations.

What excites me most about the subject is the ability to decode the layers of symbolism, iconography, and artistic techniques embedded within artworks. The opportunity to explore different periods and styles, from classical antiquity to modern and contemporary art, will allow me to develop a nuanced understanding of the visual language and the narratives that unfold through artistic expression. I am particularly intrigued by the intersection of art and politics, as well as the representation of marginalized voices in art history.

While my academic studies have provided me with a strong foundation in art history , I have actively sought opportunities to enrich my understanding through practical experiences. Last year, I had the privilege of interning at a prestigious art gallery, where I assisted in curating exhibitions and conducting research on featured artists. This immersive experience allowed me to witness firsthand the behind-the-scenes operations of the art world, deepen my understanding of curatorial practices, and engage with diverse artworks spanning different periods and genres. It was during this internship that I realized the power of art in fostering dialogue, challenging perspectives, and fostering cultural exchange.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have actively engaged with the local arts community. I volunteered at a community art center, where I assisted in organizing art workshops for children from underprivileged backgrounds. Witnessing the transformative power of art in igniting creativity, fostering self-expression, and empowering individuals reinforced my conviction that art is not just a visual spectacle but also a catalyst for social change.

What sets me apart as an ideal candidate for this degree are my critical thinking skills, my attention to detail, and my ability to analyze and interpret visual imagery effectively. Through my academic endeavors, I have developed a methodical approach to research, honed my skills in written and verbal communication, and cultivated a discerning eye for artistic elements. Furthermore, my proficiency in foreign languages, including French and Italian, broadens my ability to engage with primary sources and scholarly literature from different cultural contexts.

Looking forward, I aspire to combine my passion for art history with my desire to promote arts education and accessibility. By pursuing a career in curatorial work or art education, I aim to bridge the gap between the public and the art world, making art more inclusive and relatable to diverse audiences. I envision myself curating exhibitions that highlight underrepresented artists and narratives, organizing educational programs that foster art appreciation, and contributing to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

In conclusion, my insatiable passion for art, my academic foundation, practical experiences, and my commitment to social engagement make me an ideal candidate for this degree. I am excited to immerse myself in the vast realm of art history , explore the intricacies of artistic movements, and develop a critical understanding of art’s impact on society. I am confident that this course will equip me with the knowledge, analytical skills, and critical perspectives necessary to embark on a fulfilling career in the field of art history, where I can contribute to the preservation, interpretation, and appreciation of art for generations to come.

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Art History Personal Statement Guide

The idea behind personal statements is to give universities a clear picture of candidates who are applying to study there. They want to be certain that whoever joins as a student will have the intellect and drive to be successful at that institution.

The aim of personal statements isn’t to tell experts what their subject is about, but rather how you have come to it, what your thoughts about it are, and what about it really fascinates you. It also serves to explain to admissions tutors why you want to study that subject over any other, but it cannot, of course, be designed around any one institution if you’re applying to more than one since each receives the same statement.

Finally, a personal statement helps tutors to decide who to admit onto their courses as they’re eager to have those who’ll benefit most as their students. With all this in mind, where do you begin? This guide will support you through the writing of the statement and address various points along the way, namely:

• Why are Personal Statements Important?
• What Should I Include in an Art History Personal Statement?  
• What Should I Avoid in an Art History Personal Statement?  

Advice on How to Start an Art History Personal Statement  

Advice on how to finish an art history personal statement  .

What Should I Avoid in an Art History Personal Statement ?  

Any personal statement that begins with a cliché like ‘What is art?’ or ‘Art is the apogee of human self-expression’ immediately turns the reader’s attention off. Avoid clichés, familiar language, quotations, and overly elaborate prose.

Also avoid talking too much about anything other than you, so it’s fine if you drop the name of your favourite painting or artist into the statement somewhere, but don’t begin an involved analysis of the painting.

It may sound obvious, but also don’t lie. If you’re called for an interview, you’ll be questioned in depth on what you put into the statement, so you need to be certain in your knowledge of it.

Finally, avoid being specific about universities if you’re applying to more than one, but be as specific as possible about yourself.

Register to access our complimentary e-book "So You Want To Go To Oxbridge? Tell me about a banana…"

Many people are tempted to begin an art history personal statement with a sweeping observation about art in general or with a quotation from a critic; we don't recommend this. Begin by expressing in captivating but simple and direct language how you came to be absorbed by the subject and why you wish to study it at university.

The opening line should be memorable, but for the right reasons . Don’t set out to shock or provoke as you want the universities to been intrigued by you in a positive way. Remember that you want them to want to meet you and, ultimately, teach you for the next three years a at least.

Sometimes the beginning of the statement is the hardest to write, so brainstorm all the reasons why you’re interested in it and go from there.

You’ve hopefully followed a good structure for your statement and each section has led seamlessly onto the next, so the conclusion should feel like it’s coming at the right time.

The purpose of the conclusion is to condense your motivation and interest for the reader once more, without sounding repetitive. It should reinforce the points you’ve made, and make it sound like the only reasonable next step would be for you to embark on an art history degree.

Remember that you’ll be leaving the reader with another impression along with the first one in the introduction, so ensure it paints you in the best light and makes the reader want to meet you.

• What are some Tips for Writing a Strong Art History Personal Statement?
• How Long Should my Art History Personal Statement Be?
• What Kind of Extracurricular Activities Should I Include in my Art History Personal Statement?
• How Can I Tailor my Art History Personal Statement to the Oxford/Cambridge Course?

The visual arts have a huge specialist lexicon all to themselves. Words like pentimento , chiaroscuro , and geoglyph are common currency in the world of art. It’s therefore good to show some knowledge of these terms, perhaps when describing some art which particularly enticed you, but don’t overuse them (more than two is probably too many) as it will sound like you're forcing them in for the sake of it.

Art history is also a multidisciplinary subject that borders many other disciplines from conventional history and literature to psychology and chemistry. If you can show you have derived skills from other subjects that you could put to use during your degree, then so much the better. If you haven’t such skills, then show a readiness to develop them. Universities like to see you won’t be limited by either your current skillset or your willingness to develop further skills along the way.

The UCAS personal statement is limited to 4000 characters, which includes spaces, or 47 lines of the UCAS form (it depends on which you reach soonest). In a way, it’s a bit of a test to see if you can condense your thoughts concisely and precisely to communicate your desired meaning effectively, but also to make it fair to all candidates writing them (and admissions tutors reading them!)

The most obvious activities are those that encourage you to think deeply about art. Nearly every art history personal statement will talk about gallery or museum visits, which is fine, but try to stand out through your unique observations and thoughts about what you saw. Perhaps you saw an unusual depiction on an elephant tusk or came across an icon you were enticed by for some reason.

Whatever you include, try to make it interesting. Other worthwhile activities could be volunteering in museums or galleries, where you’d be assisting with the public perception and consumption of art, or doing a course either in fine art or an aspect of art history.

The key is to think outside of the box, and for every activity you mention, clearly state how it links to important maths-related skills.   

Whilst you cannot tailor your statement to one university too closely (since it's the same statement for all options on your UCAS form), you can show Oxbridge that you're aiming high in your applications.

It probably comes as no surprise that Oxford and Cambridge put a great emphasis on reading around your subject, even before you’ve started the course. The first place to look are their websites to see if they’ve recommended any titles to start with; remember, though, that it’s not just enough to read the books – you have to think about them too, so write notes and develop views.

It would be beneficial for the Oxford and Cambridge courses if you could also read one or more European foreign language, like French, German or Italian, as much of the critical material for art history is published in these languages. If you can, then mention is briefly, perhaps by implication when referring to an article or book you read.

Book your Art History Personal Statement Package

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What art and design tutors are looking for

The underlying message is that tutors want to know about you, your practice, your inspirations, and your aspirations, and for your personal statement to act as written accompaniment to your portfolio and performance at interview.

How to make your art and design statement stand out

Admissions tutors prefer to read personal statements that don't stick to a predictable formula – here are a few tactics to ensure yours packs a punch.

• Focus on the course: Martin Conreen, design admissions tutor at Goldsmiths, University of London, urges applicants for design courses 'not to over mention art' but to stay focused on design. He also feels some applicants waste too much space on non-relevant factors like their sporting achievements.
• Your influences: Martin adds he wants to hear who your influences are, why they inspire you, and 'how their work has resonance with your own, or with your own ideas'.
• Examples of what inspires you: David Baldry, fine art course leader at University Campus Suffolk, echoes this: 'Tell us what inspires you. We want to know what contemporary art interests you, so talk about key artists or an exhibition that made an impression on you. We want to know how you respond to the world creatively, so talk about your experiences or projects you’ve developed independently. Also, edit it so it sounds punchy'.
• Demonstrate your artistic ambitions: Alison Jones, fine art admissions tutor at Goldsmiths, is looking for 'interesting individuals who have a passion for art and a commitment to developing themselves as artists. Therefore, your personal statement should demonstrate an understanding of your own work, focusing on what is unique about your practice'.
• Be original: starting your statement with a well-known quote – such as 'fashion is not something that exists in dresses only' – is inadvisable. 189 applicants quoted that exact Coco Chanel snippet last year, so it really won't make you stand out from the crowd.

It's all summed up nicely by Arts University Bournemouth whose advice is:

'Be focused on the field you're applying for (no scattergun approach), name artists or designers you admire, think contemporary, reflect on exhibitions or galleries or events you've visited, and don't think "I'll tell them at the interview" – put it in the statement!'

Find out more about studying art and design, including entry requirements, why you should study it, and possible careers it could lead on to.  

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6 Things to Stop Saying in Your Artist Statement

Paige Simianer | September 26, 2024

Does the mere utterance of the two words "artist statement" make you feel overwhelmed—unsure how to translate your art into words?

After all, you are an artist—not a writer—right? 

Wrong. Well, sort of wrong. 

Of course, the focus of your career is your artwork. But, you need to be able to communicate about your work with clarity, focus, and passion. If you can't take the time to explain yourself and your vision in simple terms, don't expect anyone else to take the time to understand it. 

You are the one person in the world who knows your work intimately. You—and you alone—have spent the most time thinking about the themes and symbols in your artwork. 

Your artist statement should be a written description of your artwork that gives deeper insight into your work through your personal history, material choices and themes you address. It helps both viewers understand what is most important to you and galleries explain your work to potential buyers. 

But, it's tricky to write. 

Striking the right tone while fully capturing your artistic vision is a balancing act, and there are a few common mistakes to steer clear of to make the writing process smoother.

Make the most of your words—here are 6 things to avoid in your artist statement (and what to say instead):

Photo courtesy of Artwork Archive artist Deena S. Ball

"my work speaks for itself".

It's easy to feel that your art should stand alone, but your artist statement is your chance to share the "why" behind your work and help your audience see beyond the surface. Your process, ideas, and intentions matter just as much as the final product. 

When you say your work speaks for itself, you're leaving too much up to chance. Sure, some people might get it just by looking, but many will miss the subtle nuances and layers of meaning you've poured into it.

Offering a glimpse into your thought process can make all the difference.

Instead of saying : "My work speaks for itself," Offer specific insights into your work. A clear statement gives viewers a starting point to understand your work and its meaning.

Complex and Confusing Art Jargon

Using dense, intellectual art terminology might seem impressive, but it can actually alienate your audience instead of drawing them in. If the language of your artist statement feels too complex, you run the risk of viewers tuning out and missing the meaning behind your work. 

Your statement should be clear and easy to connect with, giving people a way to understand your ideas without feeling overwhelmed.

You can keep your statement meaningful while still making it easy to follow.

Instead of using overly technical, complicated “artspeak,” Simplify your language —it will help viewers engage with your work and make you more approachable as an artist.

 Number 3)

Excessive personal details .

Including personal experiences in your artist statement is important, but if you share too much, you might end up making your audience feel a bit disconnected. Of course, your art is deeply personal to you—and that absolutely matters! But your audience could have a harder time connecting if it feels like they’re reading a diary instead of learning about your creative process.

Your artist statement should create a space where people can connect with your work, rather than focusing solely on your individual story.

The key is finding the right balance. You can still be personal without overwhelming your audience with too many intimate details.

Instead of diving deep into personal emotions, specific traumas, or intimate life events, Focus on the themes behind the emotions or experiences . This frames them in a relatable way, and invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences through your work.

Clichés or Vague Generalizations

Phrases like “I am inspired by life” or “I love art” don’t offer any real insight into your process. Sure, broad statements like these might capture a general feeling, but they don't help your audience understand what actually fuels your creativity or sets your artwork apart. 

Give your audience a more specific and unique perspective on what drives your creative practice.

If you stay too vague, you miss the chance to pull people in on what makes your art special—and it IS special.

Instead of saying: “I’m inspired by the world around me,” Provide specific examples of what in the world inspires you.  Maybe it’s a certain landscape, a cultural tradition, or an interaction with someone that sparked something in you. Share those details, and explain how they show up in your work.

Apologetic or Self-Deprecating Language 

Talking down about your own work (and yourself) can really shape how others perceive it, and not in a good way.

When you use self-deprecating phrases, like “I’m not a professional,” or "I don't really know what I'm doing," it can make your audience hesitate to take your art seriously. Even if you're still learning or experimenting, there’s no need to apologize for that—every artist is always growing.

Be confident in where you are right now. Focus on what your work is expressing and what makes it meaningful to you. Again, growth is a part of every artist's journey, and there's something to be said about showing your process, even if you're still figuring things out.

If you’re too hard on yourself, you’re not giving people the chance to see your art in the best light.

Instead of saying: “I’m not a professional, but...” Talk about the thought process behind your creative decisions. Show confidence in the choices you made, even if they are unconventional or experimental.  Your audience wants to see your passion and intention—so own it!

"My Art is Open to Interpretation"

While it’s great to leave room for interpretation in your art, simply saying that it’s "open to interpretation" can sometimes feel too vague.

You don’t need to spell out everything, but offering a bit of direction can help viewers engage more deeply with your work. Think of it as giving your audience a starting point. You're not telling them what to think, you're guiding them toward a deeper understanding.

You can still encourage others to find their own meaning in your artwork while sharing the themes or emotions that inspired you.

Instead of saying: ”There’s no right or wrong way to interpret my art,” Describe how different elements of your work invite viewers to engage with certain idea s, like the use of color, texture, or form.

Crafting thoughtful artist statements takes work—keeping them organized shouldn’t:

Once you've put in the effort to write a strong statement, make sure it’s always on hand.

Store all your artist statements in the My Docs section of your Artwork Archive account so they’re always ready when you need them.

Writing an artist statement is your chance to build a meaningful connection with your audience. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll craft a statement that is engaging, thoughtful, and a true reflection of who you are as an artist. 

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History personal statements

Scroll down this page to find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study history and related courses at university.

Plus, over on The Uni Guide, we've also got advice from universities on what they want to see in a history personal statement . 

Among the tips shared by admissions experts: talk about the specific topics that fascinate you; focus on your personal skills and history; critique books you've read; think about history you've studied outside the classroom.

Examples of real history personal statements

These history personal statements are written by real students. Among them you will find personal statements that have formed part of successful applications to universities such as Birmingham, Cambridge and Exeter

Bear in mind, these personal statements are presented in exactly the way they were originally submitted to Ucas. Don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples, you'll be able to get some ideas and inspiration for your own personal statement. 

More help with your personal statement

You can find personal statement examples for other courses by using this subject list, or by returning to our personal statements by subject page.

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The Courltaut Institute of Art - History of Art

History of art – 2020 ( ucl, the courltaut institute of art, exeter, birmingham, sussex ).

"Alright, I'm here, so what's the big deal with this art thing?". Most people step into a museum and have no idea what they're doing. They are blissfully unaware of ...

History of Art – 2013 ( UCL, Warwick, Bristol, York, The Courltaut Institute of Art )

Holding carefully a 10h century Persian Samanid bowl in my hands and knowing it belonged to an old Islamist civilisation while doing a shadowing experience at Sotheby’s in London definitely ...

Please note UCAS will detect any form of plagiarism. PSE and its contributors do not take any responsibility for the way in which personal statements are used.

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History of art & philosophy personal statement example.

Looking at the face of the figure central to Waterhouse's "The Soul of the Rose" alongside the Tennyson poem it was inspired by, I found myself hooked, not just by the detail of the painting, but by the emotion it conveyed. From that, followed my love for Collier's Delphic Oracle and Rossetti's 'Beata Beatrix' and since then, my love for art has developed further still. I have lost myself in some of the world's most loved painters.

From the Ancient Greeks through to Frida Kahlo, I've discovered that within each artist, lies a different meaning to the word 'beauty'.

That, more than anything, is what I love about art history; its desire to unlock the world beyond paint and canvas. Art, such as the works of Duchamp, has the capacity to alter the way we understand the world and, by nature, philosophy has that same power. It's the art of the curious. Socrates stressed the power of asking 'why' and from that, philosophers have reshaped the way we think about God, beauty, and life.

Thus, philosophy and art inspire me to question; urge me to embrace new ways of thinking, making them central to my experience as a human being.

By studying them at university, I hope that will be encouraged further. The surrealists are a favourite of mine, so much so that my EPQ is a study of their philosophy of the subconscious, which I've applied to photography. While they have taught me to further understand how my mind works, the EPQ has taught me research and communication skills; skills crucial for both these subjects.

At school, I've developed critical thinking skills as my subjects require an ability to formulate arguments and pick them apart. My analytical thinking has been developed through Philosophy and English, not just through evaluating different theories, but by developing my own.

These are skills crucial in the study of art and philosophy. With school, I attended an ethics conference in Oxford hosted by Peter Vardy which enhanced my knowledge of ethical issues like euthanasia and genetic engineering, and through leading a creative writing class for KS3 students, I've learnt how to adapt my oral communication to suit different audiences. Yet, my skills are by no means limited to academia.

Through studying the art of the Pre-Raphaelites in my own time, I've boosted my visual literacy. Outside of school, my life revolves around literature and art. Writing has always been the constant in my life. I love writing poetry as I find it liberating to express myself through words without barriers.

This has lead me to be published in anthologies across the South. My favourite thing is exploring the subtleties and aesthetics of language; discovering how the smallest things can have a big impact; an interest that translates in my study of art and aesthetics.

Alongside poetry, I write stories that often explore the emotional side of being human. Photography is also something I enjoy. My photos often border on the surreal, as influenced by surrealist philosophy. Photography has led me to develop a wider understanding of composition and how it affects meaning.

The other constant in my life is books. I am widely read; enjoying both non-fiction and fiction. My favourite books explore spiritual topics and are character driven like Paulo Coelho's "Witch of Portobello" or the works of Homer and Virgil which have furthered my understanding of esoteric spirituality and art.

I also enjoy books that address the philosophy and history of religion and the spirituality of ancient civilisation, such as Jonathan Black's "Sacred History of the World", or Umberto Eco's "Book of Legendary Lands" which first introduced me to the analysis of setting in art with reference to its historical context.

In all I am genuine and individual and always find new imaginative ways of doing things. Passion driven, my absolute love for philosophy and art history will be my biggest motivation throughout university, allowing me not only to succeed, but to enjoy every moment of it.

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Author's Comments

This got me an offer from Glasgow, Essex, Birmingham, and an interview with the Courtauld Institute of Art (currently waiting for a final response)

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