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The Art of Looking at Art

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 at Art by Gene Wisniewski is a readable guide that demystifies the experience of viewing art. It explores fundamental questions such as the origins of art, its purpose, and how artworks gain immense value. The book addresses common uncertainties about engaging with visual art, intertwining historical insights and captivating stories across twelve concise chapters. Featuring 45 full-page colour reproductions, it equips readers with the knowledge to confidently appreciate art, whether novice or experienced.
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Format: Hardback
$15796
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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 readers interested in art appreciation, including those new to galleries and museums as well as individuals with an existing interest in art history wishing to deepen their understanding.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

There’s an art to viewing art. This book addresses countless issues surrounding this frequently misunderstood microcosm, in a highly informative, yet conversational tone. History, fascinating and altogether human backstories, and information pertaining to every conceivable aspect of visual art are interwoven in twelve concise chapters.

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

A readable guide to the art of looking at art.

There’s an art to viewing art. A sizable portion of the population regards art with varying degrees of reverence, bewilderment, suspicion, contempt, and intimidation. Most people aren’t sure what to do when standing before a work of art, besides gaze at it for what they hope is an acceptable amount of time. Even those who visit galleries and museums regularly aren’t always as well versed as they wish they could be.

This book will help remedy that situation and answer many of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to the matter of art in general:

  • When was the first art made?
  • Who decides which art is “for the ages”?
  • What is art’s purpose?
  • How do paintings get to be worth tens of millions of dollars?
  • Where do artists get their ideas?
  • And perhaps the most pressing question of all, have human cadavers ever been used as art materials? (Yup.)

The Art of Looking at Art addresses these and countless more of the issues surrounding this frequently misunderstood microcosm, in a highly informative, yet conversational tone. History, fascinating and altogether human backstories, and information pertaining to every conceivable aspect of visual art are interwoven in twelve concise chapters, providing all the information the average person needs to comfortably approach, analyze, and appreciate art. Readers with a background in art will learn a few new things as well.

This beautiful full-colour book includes 45 full-page reproductions.

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 its engaging and informative approach, The Art of Looking at Art is described as a valuable resource that feels like a gallery tour. Reviewers highlight Wisniewski's ability to distil two decades of teaching experience into an entertaining introduction that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned art lovers. The book has been called thought-provoking and recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of art and its history.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781538133729

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 04 October 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield

Illustration: 50 colour photos; 22 textboxes

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 226.0mm

Height: 288.0mm

Weight: 1238g

Pages: 296

About the Author

Gene Wisniewski received his art education at Rutgers University, the New York Academy of Art, The National Academy of Design, The New School, and L’Ecole Albert Defois in Vihiers, France. He has exhibited in galleries nationwide, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. He has twenty years’ experience teaching and lecturing on visual art. His short stories have appeared in Exquisite Corpse, the literary magazine of Louisiana State University, Satellite magazine, and other publications. The Art of Looking at Art is his first full-length book. He is currently working on screenplay adaptions based on two of his published short stories.

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