What is it to be a work of art? Renowned author and critic Arthur C. Danto addresses this fundamental; complex question. Part philosophical monograph and part memoiristic meditation; What Art Is challenges the popular interpretation that art is an indefinable concept; instead bringing to light the properties that constitute universal meaning. Danto argues that despite varied approaches; a work of art is always defined by two essential criteria: meaning and embodiment; as well as one additional criterion contributed by the viewer: interpretation. Danto crafts his argument in an accessible manner that engages with both philosophy and art across genres and eras; beginning with Platorsquo;s definition of art in The Republic; and continuing through the progress of art as a series of discoveries; including such innovations as perspective; chiaroscuro; and physiognomy. Danto concludes with a fascinating discussion of Andy Warholrsquo;s famous shipping cartons; which are visually indistinguishable from the everyday objects they represent.Throughout; Danto considers the contributions of philosophers including Descartes; Kant; and Hegel; and artists from Michelangelo and Poussin to Duchamp and Warhol; in this far-reaching examination of the interconnectivity and universality of aesthetic production.
#2107473 in eBooks 2012-12-14 2012-11-29File Name: B00BF8MESC
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A 1981 gem purely on brush technique and evolution of calligraphy styles over the milleniums.By AgogoLiveA 1981 publication purely covering brush styles and techniques from the root through the centuries. Havent come across another yet like it. Includes a front section on taoism confucian thought which I hadnt bargained for but it could be an interesting read.This is not a visual book; rather a historical and descriptive/ instructional walk through the evolution of brush technique in China first for calligraphy then as a natural progression; ink painting. The two are seen as sharing common root principles and techniques - instructional and "illustrative".The prints are VERY limited and VERY poorly reproduced. But the coverage on brush techniques make up for it.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Mysteries of Chinese Brushwork ExplainedBy EclecticKwo Da-Wei; with his book; Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting;has come to my aid in learning the use of brush; ink; paper in the Chinese fashion. Though Ive taken Chinese brushwork classes; I find Mr. Kwos one-on-one instruction extremely beneficial as a Westerner to whom Chinese brushwork isnt natural as it is for those schooled early on from childhood. My intention is not to even try to master calligraphy or any of the iconic Chinese art; my intention in studying Mr. Kwos book is to help me attain more fluidity in my watercolors in particular; and in my art in general. I find the exquisite flow of the ink or paint from my brush exciting and he helps me to understand how to execute the use of the brush in various styles that I can apply to my Western watercolor; to continue that excitement.Mr. Kwo also gives an historical overview of Chinese brushwork and art for the understanding of the Western student. Like a magician breaking down the mysteries of his craft; hes given me the basics; now with practice; I`ll be able to bring those applications to my work. He covers the fundamentals of brushwork: moisture; pressure; speed; angles and applications of the brush; body movement; even holding the brush. Also; he explains the aesthetic components of form; line; space-consciousness and composition. Im glad I found Mr. Kwos very valuable book.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Explained easily for the beginnerBy Gloria O.This was so helpful to me in understanding the art of Chinese brushwork and calligraphy. it opened a portal to understand many new concepts. Explained easily for the beginner. Really ; this was a helpful book. Gloria Orenstein