SKU: 78470861850

Why a Painting Is Like a Pizza: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Modern Art

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Why a Painting Is Like a Pizza: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Modern ArtThe first time she made a pizza from scratch, art historian Nancy Heller made the observation that led her to write this entertaining guide to contemporary art. Comparing modern art not only to pizzas but also to traditional and children's art, Heller shows us how we can refine analytical tools we already possess to understand and enjoy even the most unfamiliar paintings and sculptures. How is a painting like a pizza? Both depend on visual balance for

The first time she made a pizza from scratch, art historian Nancy Heller made the observation that led her to write this entertaining guide to contemporary art. Comparing modern art not only to pizzas but also to traditional and children's art, Heller shows us how we can refine analytical tools we already possess to understand and enjoy even the most unfamiliar paintings and sculptures.

How is a painting like a pizza? Both depend on visual balance for much of their overall appeal and, though both can be judged by a set of established standards, pizzas and paintings must ultimately be evaluated in terms of individual taste. By using such commonsense examples and making unexpected connections, this book helps even the most skeptical viewers feel comfortable around contemporary art and see aspects of it they would otherwise miss. Heller discusses how nontraditional works of art are made--and thus how to talk about their composition and formal elements. She also considers why such art is made and what it means.

At the same time, Heller reassures those of us who have felt uncomfortable around avant-garde art that we don't have to like all--or even any--of it. Yet, if we can relax, we can use the aesthetic awareness developed in everyday life to analyze almost any painting, sculpture, or installation. Heller also gives concise answers to the eight questions she is most frequently asked about contemporary art--from how to tell when an abstract painting is right side up to which works of art belong in a museum.

This book is for anyone who agrees with art critic Clement Greenberg that All profoundly original art looks ugly at first. It's also for anyone who disagrees. It is for anyone who wants to get more out of a museum or gallery visit and would like to be able to say something more than just yes or no when asked if they like an artist's work.-- "Choice"

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 10/13/2002
ISBN: 9780691090528
Pages: 192
Weight: 1.08lbs
Size: 8.80h x 5.80w x 0.70d

Review Citations: Library Journal 02/15/2003 pg. 133
Kliatt 03/01/2003 pg. 53
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SKU: 78470861850

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Shannon B
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A great guide to learn how to learn how our Father wants us to be raising our kids.
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Wonderful read it really helped put in perspective how we can have grace with our kids and ourselves. Not everyone was raised this way and it is so nice to find and learn how we can unlearn some of those "bad" habits and refrigerator our minds so that we have a stronger relationship and more respectful relationship with our kids and the Father.
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Michelle Patrick
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Pleasantly surprised by the humor and practical exercises
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Ok, so generally, I hate parenting books. I've read at least 5 well known Christian parenting books, and I'm usually either bored to tears with impractical theories that don't really work with my three strong-willed boys, or angry at the over-simplified anecdotes that also don't work with my kids. It feels like most parenting books are written by men who have fully-grown children and I struggle to relate. I've gleaned a few techniques here and there that have been helpful, but left mostly dissatisfied. I have to say that I have been pleasantly surprised by this one! I appreciate that it's written by a fellow mom who is not too far down the parenting road that she's forgotten how hard it is. And she is funny! The embarrassing story she shares about her daughter's first birthday party literally had me laughing so hard I had tears rolling down my face. That alone was worth the book for me. I'm only about halfway through right now, but it's been such a refreshing book. I love the practical ideas for sorting family rules/values, and evaluating infractions, misdemeanors and felonies. The suggested activities are practical and not overwhelming. I find myself wanting to discuss it with my husband to try some different ideas already. That is a win! And ultimately the gospel-centered approach of what it looks like to parent our children the way God parents us - with a balanced grace - is what I want to be doing.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2017

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