"Art in Theory 1900-2000" by Charles Harrison is a comprehensive compilation of key writings that have influenced the discourse of art theory throughout the 20th century. With a vast array of texts from artists, critics, philosophers, and theorists, this book provides a diverse and rich collection of perspectives on art.
Covering a wide range of topics including modernism, postmodernism, feminism, structuralism, and conceptual art, among others, this book offers a valuable resource for understanding the ideologies, concepts, and debates that have shaped art during this period. The chronological organization allows readers to trace the development of ideas and their impact on artistic practices and movements.
What makes this book unique is its inclusion of lesser-known texts and voices alongside the more well-known figures. This adds depth and nuance to the understanding of art theory throughout the century. Additionally, Harrison's introductions to each extract provide valuable context and highlight the significance of these texts within the broader discourse.
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Despite the extensive content, Harrison's careful selection and organization make the book highly accessible to both newcomers and experienced scholars in the field of art theory. The clear and concise writing style of the introductions and connecting passages further aids in understanding complex ideas. In addition, the book includes an index and bibliography, serving as valuable tools for further exploration.
In conclusion, "Art in Theory 1900-2000" is an indispensable resource for those interested in the history of art theory and its impact on the art world in the past century. With its meticulous curation and insightful commentary, this book offers an engaging and thought-provoking read for students, scholars, and art enthusiasts alike.
What are readers saying?
"Art in Theory 1900-2000" is a critically acclaimed book written by Charles Harrison that explores the evolution and development of art theory in the 20th century. Readers have provided overwhelmingly positive reviews for this book, praising the author's comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis.
Many readers found the book to be an invaluable resource for students, artists, and art enthusiasts, as it offers a wide range of theories and movements discussed, spanning from modernism to postmodernism. In addition, they appreciated the author's ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner, making it easier for readers who are new to the subject to understand.
One aspect of the book that was particularly praised was the inclusion of primary source texts, such as manifestos and critical essays. Readers found these excerpts to be enlightening and appreciated how they were seamlessly integrated into the overall narrative. These primary sources provided a deeper understanding of the artists and theorists discussed in the book.
The organization and structure of the book also received positive feedback. Readers found the chronological arrangement of the chapters to be helpful in tracing the development of art theory over time. This approach allowed readers to identify connections and influences between different movements and individuals.
While some readers mentioned that the book's length and amount of information could be overwhelming, many still highly recommended it as an essential reference for studying or exploring art history.
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