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Rating: 
Summary: If you have trouble breathing in museums
Review: I was loaned this book to read by an educational director at a contemporary art museum. The book itself --- at least its hardcover edition --- is a lovely well-bound and glossy book, the pages are very sturdy and many of the reproductions are in color. I read the book in less than a day. It is short and easy to read. Heller makes the book, more personal in her address to the reader than other introductory guides, she lines each chapter with her own experiences, which seem more honest than most. When I read the book the reading was so easy, the advice was so simple, the process so quick and enjoyable, that I thought I had spent a few entertaining hours doing absolutely nothing. The book is more about, as the title says, understanding and enjoying modern art, than it is a guide to the different movements or artists within modern art, but the artists she does speak of have a tendency to stay with you (as I didn't think they would). A couple of weeks ago I went to a local museum exhibit and happened upon the work of Jenny Holzer, and smiled, remembering where I first read about her.
Rating:
Summary: A short, readable guide to modern art
Review: If you enjoy looking at modern art, have trouble understanding what you are seeing, and want a simple discussion to help your understanding, then this book is for you. The book does not bog down in explaining the various artistic movements. Rather, it gives discussions that help you appreciate diverse art forms, including "stripe" paintings, monochrome paintings, "drip" paintings, and a variety of sculpture (including boxes, fluorescent lights, and "everyday" objects). Ms. Heller often acknoweledges the criticism that these art forms receive, but explains why a child couldn't really do it, and what makes it art. Ms. Heller even devotes a chapter to "commonsense answers" to "often asked questions" about modern art. The reproductions and photos in the book are well done and seem true to color. And, not to be underestimated, the book is short (under 200 pages, but with many photos), readable, and easy to understand without talking down to the readers. After reading the book, you may still not like a painting or sculpture, but you will certainly have a better appreciation for it. I actually take this book to the museum and refer to it, even though I am reading more in-depth books on modern art. I rarely give five-star reviews, but I cannot say enough good things about this book.
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Summary: Modern Art: Finally, an English translation
Review: So much of what I have read about modern art goes in one ear and out the other. I think this is because writers feel obligated to impart a certain body of knowledge to the reader. Nancy Heller, however, starts with the questions people have about modern art and then proceeds to answer them. She even concludes the book with a chapter of answers to questions most asked about modern art.If you are planning to read your first book about modern art, this is the one. If you are planning to read your very LAST book about modern art, this too is the one.
Rating:
Summary: Modern Art: Finally, an English translation
Review: So much of what I have read about modern art goes in one ear and out the other. I think this is because writers feel obligated to impart a certain body of knowledge to the reader. Nancy Heller, however, starts with the questions people have about modern art and then proceeds to answer them. She even concludes the book with a chapter of answers to questions most asked about modern art. If you are planning to read your first book about modern art, this is the one. If you are planning to read your very LAST book about modern art, this too is the one.
Rating:
Summary: Very Good Introduction To Modernism and Postmodernism
Review: This book is engagingly written, a "quick read" and, surprisingly for art history or criticism, has some great quotes from artists in it which give another insight into the art as well. The author has a passion for modern art, and the skill to make her passion understood. Highly recommended. Also has some lovely color reproductions to contemplate.
Rating:
Summary: Very Good Introduction To Modernism and Postmodernism
Review: This book is engagingly written, a "quick read" and, surprisingly for art history or criticism, has some great quotes from artists in it which give another insight into the art as well. The author has a passion for modern art, and the skill to make her passion understood. Highly recommended. Also has some lovely color reproductions to contemplate.
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