Learning to Look at Modern Art

by Mary Acton

This companion volume to the author's Learning to Look at Paintings suggests that the best way to understand modern art is to look closely at it, and to consider the different elements that make up each art composition, space and form, light and colour, and subject matter. Engaging and beautifully-written, this guide to art of the modern and postmodern period covers key art movements The book is richly illustrated with colour and black and white images by the artists, designers and architects discussed, ranging from Picasso and Matisse to Le Corbusier, Andy Warhol and Rachel Whiteread.

Genres: Art

382 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2004

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book explains images one by one, which is helpful, it doesn't get lost in too much theory. The only thing is that there isn't a clear overall progression, modernism to postmodernism, etc. Otherwise, the book was interesting if you're interested in just looking at art on an example by example basis.

[Luca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only give 4 stars out of 5 because it is quite hard to tell what the book is exactly about. Probably because it tries to embraces such a gigantic topic as modern art without a specific focus. However, the book is wonderful to read and to look at. It is impressive the work of the author in collecting quotes from books, diaries, and interviews. It is always lovely to hear the direct words of artists and critics.

If you want to learn about modern art, this is the first book you should read!

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Used as textbook for Oxford Cont Ed course "How to Look at Modern Art."

[Michael Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s good. Strong overview of the subject, well written and up to date. Wish more of the pictures were in color.

[Sb6283 · Rating 1 out of 5]

not so much. poorly organized. selection on works to focus on seemed random.