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What is Painting?
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Format: Hardback
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Ideal for readers interested in arts and culture, especially those seeking an accessible yet scholarly introduction to the theory and practice of painting in the modern era.
A new, significantly revised edition of Julian Bell’s 1999 book, taking a fresh, focused look at the situation of painting in contemporary culture.
A significantly revised edition of Julian Bell's 1999 book, taking a fresh, focused look at the situation of painting in contemporary culture
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
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Description
At the turn of the twenty-first century, many felt sceptical or confused about painting's on-going cultural relevance. In this context, Julian Bell's What is Painting? provided an accessible and inspired account of artistic thinking and practice, and of the complexities then facing artists and their audiences.
Eighteen years on, the situation is partly reversed. Painting has proved too resilient a practice to be marginalised any longer. Yet is there any sense of forward momentum for the art? Interrogating the factors that have changed our ideas of painting over the past two centuries, Bell addresses relations between figuration and abstraction and between narrative and non-narrative painting, as well as the waning of conceptual art's dominance and the proliferation of experiments with the physical limits of painting. He also clarifies general concepts such as 'expression' and 'representation'.
Fully revised to provide a fresh look at the situation of painting, this new edition maintains the objective of lucid, historically informative explanation that earned the original edition its status as a text of lasting value. The book provides a general reader's introduction to theories of painting that is not only reliable, but also stimulating and amusing to read.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Praised for originality and insight, the book has been called a 'modern intellectual classic' by Jonathan Jones and 'a work of refreshing originality' by Sir Ernst Gombrich. Laura Cumming highlights its joyfulness and conciseness, while others commend its thorough analysis and engaging style. The Independent notes Julian Bell's unique dual talent as both painter and writer.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780500239735
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 05 October 2017
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd
Edition: Second edition
Illustration: with 144 illustrations in colour and black and white
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 229.0mm
Weight: 640g
Pages: 224
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About the Author
Julian Bell is a well-known painter and author. His books include Bonnard and What is Painting?, both published by Thames & Hudson.
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