The Art of Looking Up

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 — 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.