Art Theory: A Very Short Introduction

This book is really interesting with many good points on the theories of art. It has expanded my view of art as well as taught me a lot about different artists and their art. By reading this book, I have expanded my own personal art theories and learned to incorporate what I have learned into my own artwork. I will definitely be using this book in my future classroom as well as in my own life.

Might’ve given this to one of my kids, but good little resource.

I found this book to do just what I had hoped. It's like a syllabus from a very smart, highly organized professor, who fleshes out the subjects just enough, and lets you know where exactly to look for more. It's concise, intelligent, and informative, and it saved me a lot of time in working out an outline on the subject (I'm an art professor myself). Cynthia Freeland -- thank you! What clarity!

these books are ideal for when you are waiting...lightweight in size and volume and heavy weight in content. I like having something interesting on hand for moments of downtime and these volumes are perfect for that.

If you know next to nothing about art theory, and in fact think that words like "art" and "theory" should seldom be in the same sentence, this is a good book for you. The author's approach is to discuss major aspects of art by focusing primarily on specific authors or works, and then secondarily weaving in short introductions to theories and theorists. I found it unfortunate that philosophical treatments are scarce compared to art criticism, but that's probably a reflection of the fact that I am a philosopher and have a preference for rigorous analysis over quasi-obscure essays. Of course by the end of the book you will still wonder whether a brillo box in a museum (or a dead shark, for that matter) really is art and why. But you will have been exposed to at the least the very basics of how to answer that question meaningfully and in an informed way. (My answer: no, in both the brillo and the dead shark cases.)

Nice level headed look at contemporary art up to the start of the new Millennium

As advertised and reader friendly if not very exceptional.

This is a great introduction to the subject

As a person unfamiliar with theoretical approach to understanding Art, i was pleasantly surprised at how interesting and accessible it was. The book is very insightful and balanced in its assessments of some of the most controversial aspects of contemporary art. It describes different and sometimes diverging theories of art and is aimed at answering one basic question "What is Art". I would highly recommend it as a general introduction to Art Theory to people unfamiliar with the field.

This book was the perfect tool for my studies in Fine Art at University. Written in simple to understand terms, it offers the reader a condensed version of concepts in Art Theory. Handy small size too, for carrying around.

Pretty short but a satisfying read: concise, highly readable and has a good scope of art theory. A very good primer indeed to know some of the most influential thinkers who gave life to art's methodology and criticism.

Elegí este libro para hacer un regalo a una persona que está estudiando historia del arte. No pude hacer mejor elección.

Very informative yet great.