EXPLORING ART uses art examples from around the world to discuss art in the context of religion, politics, family structure, sexuality, entertainment and visual culture.
Better than the standard text used for Art Appreciation, in that it departs from the standard timeline approach to art history and takes into greater account non-Western art and perspectives. The thematic approach lends itself to a visual communication/visual studies approach for the material which allows for flexibility in how/when to cover the different themes.
-never used the timelines included, so they seemed like an afterthought. Can they be integrated better?
-the book is utterly lacking in LGBTQ representation--making only TWO references in the entire text.
This was a great read! Lots of material covered and it doesn't just include Western art/art history. I do wish there was more elaboration on some of the historical explorations; at times it felt a little rushed through.
Easy to follow, informative, and has a plethora of pictures involving the art pieces/processes described in the text. I enjoyed reading it this semester.
I officially read this textbook cover to cover, aside from the afterword and the index, and it was a good look at art history. The chapters are diverse and the categories offer a new look to how art connects. Most art history books I have read focus on particular regions or time periods, but this book focuses on general topics and touches on various pieces for each topic. A well rounded approach to art history.