Customer Reviews

Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, Vol. 1: 1900-1944

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was recommended for the senior-level art history course at the art academy I currently attend. Clear, erudite reading, followed by colorful reproductions and chronological tabs. The visual breakdowns are though-provoking, often raising more than one opinion of the piece. Elaboration on the artist, their backround, and their life really helps the reader understand the piece of art and the subject matter.

Forget Gardener, these four giants of art history compile an international picture. Each year is represented by an article. One can read the book chronologically, topically, or by author. If you have to read a survey of art history, this is it.

I am currently getting my bachelors in art history, and have a soft spot for beautiful books. The Art Since 1900 book was very useful in my modern art class, and fascinating to read. It does not read like a textbook. Rather, it is a series of essays regarding specific moments in modern art. The authors provide keys to link relevant essays without having to figure out the relations of time, place, and style. There are plenty of images, and the writing is very accessible for a beggining modernist. However, it is a paperback that is easily shelf-worn, and the book itself is not particularly beautiful, in comparison to many of the art history survey books that are out there.