Final answer:
Historical Eurocentric perspectives and societal notions of aesthetics, influenced by the artist's identity, have traditionally guided which works are classified as 'art.' This is now being challenged by new critical approaches that consider a wider range of cultural expressions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The whiteness that guides traditional distinctions in the art world is primarily based on historical Eurocentric views. Many practices in evaluating and categorizing art stem from art historical contexts which gave precedence to Western art forms like oil painting and sculpture, and demoted other forms such as textiles and ceramics to the realm of 'craft.' Secondly, this bias is reinforced by factors related to identity, including the gender and ethnicity of artists, and societal notions of what aesthetics should be considered superior.
Critical analysis and discourse in art continue to evolve, with art historians and critics now questioning established norms in light of social developments such as feminism, globalism, multiculturalism, and identity politics. The classifications of what constitutes 'fine art' are being scrutinized to be more inclusive and appreciative of diverse artistic expressions. Thus, challenging the art historical canon and other existing issues within the spectrum of aesthetics and the definition of art itself.