101 Things I Don't Know About Art: An Opinionated Introduction To The Fine Arts

Rating:
Summary: More than thought provoking
Review: Most of the questions I've always asked myself and thought I was an idiot for not knowing. Actually not all 101 questions have answers. Sharp, whitty, smart and illustrated well. A really new and fresh perspective that always questions the status quo.

Rating:
Summary: an entertaining read with some great observations
Review: Napoliello's 101 Things is full of great observations that get under the surface about how the art world really operates. Written from the perspective of a collector, philanthropist and gallery owner, 101 Things is entertaining and informative. It also - and this is the most important part - makes you want to get out and see some art!

Rating:
Summary: Smart. Fun. Irreverent.
Review: There may be 101 things he doesn't know about art (like most of us), but he certainly knows ART and artists. Michael Napoliello knows the difference between "cobweb stuffy" art and "ya-hoo! goofy!" art, and explains there's not much difference at all (except in the minds of the artist, "the eye of the beholder" and perhaps the curator or the collector writing the check). Only Napoliello would compare Bosch to M. Night Shyamalan and Hitchcock; his reasoning is right on, however, and you, too will get the picture. Irreverent? Thankfully, yes. Opinionated? Yes, again. What was he thinking? This is one of those "open to any page" books. Try it, and a page or two later you'll feel better. Read this book in The Louvre, or read it in the bathroom. I'm guessing Napoliello would probably encourage both. He knows more than he's letting on, teaching, enlightening and entertaining at the same time. And about (solemn breath) ART! How dare he. What was he thinking? A smart book and a fun book.