Why does art matter to us; and what makes it good? Why is the role of imagination so important in art? Illustrated with carefully chosen colour and black-and-white plates of examples from Michaelangelo to Matisse and Poussin to Pollock; Revealing Art takes us on a compelling and provocative journey.Kieran explores some of the most important questions we can ask ourselves about art: how can art inspire us or disgust us? Is artistic judgement simply a matter of taste? Can art be immoral or obscene; and should it be censored? He brings such abstract issues to life with fascinating discussions of individual paintings; photographs and sculptures; such as Michelangelos Pieta; Andres Serranos Piss Christ and Francis Bacons powerful paintings of the Pope.He also suggests some answers to problems that any one in an art gallery or museum is likely to ask themselves: what is a beautiful work of art? and can art really reveal something true about our own nature?Revealing Art is ideal for anyone interested in debates about art today; or who has simply stood in front of a painting and felt baffled.
#1782088 in eBooks 2004-08-02 2004-08-02File Name: B000OT7VY0
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Brillant!By frances c.A well researched and written book on jewels--interesting to read how the gems are mined or found; lots of stories behind the jewels we treasure and the people who hunt for them. Good fun for the armchair adventurer to read about the authors exploits in the worlds various mining operations--did she really want to go down into all those deep dark mines? Was it safe to go off with strangers to find those remote mines off in the jungle? Glad she did; because her tales; interviews; and observations were well worth the journey. Even though I still love jewelry; after reading about the often exploitive and dangerous means of extracting the various jewels from the earth or ocean; Ill never look at gems; (especially diamonds); the same again.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great read.By Cheryl in BirminghamI have learned so very much about gemstones; the jewel trade (both old and new) and the people involved all along the way. If you own a "pretty"; you can be certain the person who pulled it out of the ground was very poor and gained very little compensation. Its enough to make you want to limit yourself to man-made stones. The downside would be that the miner might then have NO income. Than you for your fine work; Ms Finlay. I intend to read The Perfect Red next.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Part history; part travelogue; all fascinating.By ReaderI enjoyed Finlays "Color" and was looking forward to this book. It did not disappoint. In fact; I think it was better than "Color."The author works her way up the Mohs scale; from amber to diamonds; with the history; lore; legend; and science of gems. She also raises some interesting questions about manufactured gems and ethics without getting preachy or posturing.I cant imagine what this womans passport must look like. She travels the globe talking to the powerful and not-so-powerful; managing to get them to tell her their stories and share their knowledge. She manages to talk people into letting her do the most insane things in the name of storytelling. I learned things I did not before know; and I was thoroughly entertained...and always glad that she was the one getting muddy; sweaty; vertigo; whatever. I cant wait to see what topic shell take on next.