Cynthia Freeland explains why innovation and controversy are valued in the arts, weaving together philosophy and art theory with many examples. She discusses blood, beauty, culture, money, museums, sex and politics, clarifying accounts of the nature, function and interpretation of the arts.
But is it art ? (Rating 5 of 5)
» Schrodinger's cat
No, this book is not a work of art. But among the mixed bag that is the 'very short introduction' series ( i own 7 currently )it's one of the better ones. A readable style and broad coverage, arranged by theme rather than chronology, combine to do exactly what it says on the tin.
So you get aesthetics, feminist perspectives, the purpose of galleries, the motivation of artists all deftly delivered by someone with an engaging turn of phrase and choice examples. The author lays her cards on the table throughout, with bits of 'I believe...', punctuated by an even handed exposition of the main arguments.
Two small gripes - I'd have liked a glossary and a few more illustrations, but these are but minor quibles. Overall, well worth it
Readable, informative, and thought-provoking (Rating 5 of 5)
» Vashka
What is art? That's a hard question, and it fills the whole of this short book, covering various theories of art and some very different artists and ways of doing art. Despite being packed with information and thought-provoking ideas, "Art Theory" is very easy to read. It was my first "Very Short Introduction" - I now want to collect them all. Brilliant
(Rating 5 of 5)
