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.
