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Oceanic Art

Series: World of Art
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( 40 ratings, 1 reviews)
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
Oceanic Art by Nicholas Thomas explores the diverse and rich artistic traditions of the Pacific Islands. It delves into the history and cultural significance of various art forms, including sculpture, textiles, and ritual objects, providing insights into the societies that created them. The book offers a comprehensive examination of Oceanic art, showcasing its unique beauty and cultural depth.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by the rich and diverse artistic traditions of the Pacific Islands. It covers the unique cultural expressions and the history of Oceanic art, providing a deep dive into its vibrant and captivating world.

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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.

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 practicesβ€”among them Maori ancestral carvings, rituals of exchange and warfare in the Solomon Islands, and the production of barkcloth by women in Polynesiaβ€”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.

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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

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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