Themes of Contemporary Art: Visual Art after 1980 |  | Authors: Jean Robertson, Craig McDaniel
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Category: Book
List Price: $39.95
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Rating:  3 reviews
Media: Paperback
Edition: 2
Pages: 352
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.7
ISBN: 019536757X
Dewey Decimal Number: 709.04
EAN: 9780195367577
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Product Description
A compact and accessible introduction to recent contemporary art history, Themes of Contemporary Art: Visual Art after 1980, Second Edition, focuses on seven important themes that have recurred in art over the past few decades: identity, the body, time, place, language, science, and spirituality. The opening chapter provides a concise overview of the period, analyzing how five key changes (the rise of new media, a growing awareness of diversity, globalization, the influence of theory, and interactions with everyday visual culture) have resulted in an art world with dramatically expanded boundaries. The remaining seven chapters each feature an introduction to one thematic topic; a brief look at historical influences; a detailed analysis of how contemporary artists have responded to and embodied aspects of the theme in specific works; and two profiles of artists who have extensively explored aspects of the theme in their work. The book's thematic organization encourages students, gallery goers, and other readers to think actively and critically about the ideas expressed in the artwork instead of simply memorizing "who, what, when, and where."
Themes of Contemporary Art, Second Edition, features more than 125 vivid illustrations (including 21 in color) that exemplify a wide variety of materials, techniques, theoretical viewpoints, and stylistic approaches from artists of diverse ethnic, cultural, and geographic backgrounds. It also includes an updated timeline that situates art within the context of the time it was created.
New to the Second Edition
*An additional chapter explores science as a theme in recent contemporary art
*Eight new artist profiles and revisions to existing chapters bring the examples well into the 21st century
*An updated timeline of world events and developments in art and pop culture
*Over 40 new illustrations of contemporary art
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| Customer Reviews:
 Michael L. Williams July 3, 2009
Michael L. Williams (Washington, DC United States)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Outstanding. A succint overview of the last three decades of American artistic trends; written and illustrated from the unique perspective of two authors who have experienced the entire spectrum of the art world during their careers. Highly recommended!
Excellent guide to art of the last 25 years October 12, 2008
A. Pacula (Washington DC)
3 out of 6 found this review helpful
If you are as confused as I was re: the artworld of the last two decades -- this book is a great intro and guide to that world. Also, the book arrived promptly (even more promptly than expected) and in great condition. Would recommend to anyone.
 Limited in Scope February 24, 2009
Christen A. Holloway (Columbus, ga)
12 out of 19 found this review helpful
This book is mainly focused on New York City and its art scene. I believe that if one should name a book "Themes in Contemporary Art" that is would encompass all the themes of contemporary art from all of the globe. Our earth is so beautiful and expansive to limit contemporary art to one city. That is their ideology, and I just believe they should have used a better title for this book, like "Themes in Conceptual Contemporary Art from New York City."
This book is targeted more towards Americans, yet it does not include all the regionalist artwork that comes from the Mid-west, Appalachians, the South, Alaskan art, etc. It focuses on the New York scene, and I found it limited in scope to all the kinds of art that have come before us. It also did not give credit to the past revolutionaries before them. Like one artist was making staged photographs of people "on the moon" and the authors were trying to make this "trend" sound very new, yet theatre technicians and set designers were doing that long before in Shakespeare's day with the theatre.
Take this book with a grain of salt because it is not the only way to view art. This world is big. Expand your mind by looking into other regions and cultures around the world that are creating and teaching art. You will find great gifts and life there.
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