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The Art of Looking Up

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Art of Looking Up by Catherine McCormack explores spectacular artworks that demand viewers to change their perspective, from ancient temple paintings in Japan to iconic religious motifs across Europe and daring displays in modern venues like Las Vegas. This richly illustrated art history journey reveals the stories behind each piece, their creators, and the cultural, political, and religious contexts that shaped them, inviting readers to experience art in unexpected places.
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Format: Hardback
$8500
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for art enthusiasts, students of art history, and anyone curious about cultural expressions through visual art. It suits readers who enjoy exploring the deeper meanings behind artworks and appreciate discovering masterpieces beyond conventional galleries.

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A desirable art book surveying 40 spectacular ceilings from around the world, including those that have graced the brushes of artists including Michelangelo, Marc Chagall and Cy Twombly.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From the floating women and lotus flowers of the Senso-ji Temple in Japan, first painted in the year 645, through to the religious iconography that adorns places of worship from Vienna to Istanbul, all the way to bold displays like that in the lobby of Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, this book takes you on a tour of the extraordinary artworks that demand an alternative viewpoint.

The Art of Looking Up by art history expert Catherine McCormack guides readers through the stories behind the artworks โ€” their conception, execution, and the artists that visualised them. In many cases, these artworks also make bold but controlled political, religious, or cultural statements, revealing much about the society and times in which they were created.

First and foremost, this is a visual feast, but also a desirable art book that challenges readers to seek out fine art in more unusual places and question the statements they may be making.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780711242173

Publisher: Quarto Publishing PLC

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 15 October 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Frances Lincoln

Illustration: 250 color photos

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 235.0mm

Height: 290.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 240

About the Author

Catherine McCormack is a writer and art history lecturer based in London. She regularly teaches at Sotheby's Institute of Art, Dulwich Picture Gallery and UCL, where she completed her PhD and was a Teaching Fellow. Her writing has been published in The Independent, Architectural Review, Stylist, Glass magazine, LABEL magazine, and in international academic journals and museum exhibition catalogues. She is also resident art expert at Blacks Club Soho and has appeared on Sky News and BBC Breakfast talking about art. Catherine is also the author of Women in the Picture (Icon Books, 2020).

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