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Oceanic Art
Series: World of Art
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Oceanic Art
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See moreA new edition of this concise but authoritative survey of the diverse, dazzling and compelling art of Oceania in all its forms, past and present.
A new edition of this concise but authoritative survey of the diverse, dazzling and compelling art of Oceania in all its forms, past and present.
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
The dazzling colours and patterns of the art of the Pacific Islands have long entranced Western audiences, not least artists such as Gauguin and Picasso. The tendency has been to regard Oceanic art as 'primitive', mysterious and shrouded in taboo. However, Nicholas Thomas, in looking at and beyond the familiar, stunning surfaces of masks and shields, carved canoe prows and feathered gods, discovers the significance of such objects, both past and present, for the peoples of the Pacific.
In this revised edition of Oceanic Art, with a completely new chapter on globalisation and contemporary art, he shows how each region is characterised by certain art forms and practices—among them Maori ancestral carvings, rituals of exchange and warfare in the Solomon Islands, and the production of barkcloth by women in Polynesia—while also being shaped by influences from within the Pacific and beyond.
The dynamism and diversity of this compelling art are highlighted by the works accompanying this revelatory text. These range from creations that evoke deep-rooted customs to ones that address contemporary political issues, now illustrated in colour throughout.
Series: World of Art
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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?
Oceanic Art by Nicholas Thomas is praised for its exceptional and diverse illustrations. The book effectively intertwines aesthetics with ethnography, providing both comprehensive and balanced insights, marked by its ambition and erudition.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780500204405
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 06 September 2018
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd
Edition: Second edition
Illustration: 46 Illustrations, black and white; 140 Illustrations, color
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 150.0mm
Height: 210.0mm
Weight: 480g
Pages: 224
Collections
About the Author
Nicholas Thomas is Professor of Historical Anthropology, University of Cambridge. Among his previous books are Oceanic Art in the World of Art series and Islanders: the Pacific in the Age of Empire, which won the Wolfson History Prize in 2010.
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