The Art of Understanding Art: A new perspective

by Hugh Moss

Have we completely missed the point of the modern western revolution in the arts? Hugh Moss thinks so, and here he presents a refreshingly original and thought-provoking new approach to understanding art. It not only makes sense of western art over the past century or more, but applies equally to the art of any culture at any time, all within one enlightening framework that, well ... works.This new perspective is impossible to ignore - a theory that places art right at the centre of the evolution of human consciousness, as a key driver of the process.Argued with intelligence, panache and wit, The Art of Understanding Art provides a delightfully entertaining read that will change the way you think about and look at art, whether you are a collector (or would like to be), a connoisseur, an academic, a student or of course an artist (or would like to be). It is illustrated with intriguing skill, depth and humour by Peter Suart.

Genres: Art

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2015

Reviews

[Naomi Wakan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Understanding Art by Hugh Moss, puts art in an historical timeline when it comes to the development of human consciousness. Mr. Moss proposes that creating art is an evolutionary tool for raising human awareness. While this isn't a totally novel idea (see Tolstoy's "What is Art?" and Kandinsky's "Concerning the spiritual in art"), Mr. Moss has put the idea in non artspeak language and developed it in a logical and very persuasive way. Particularly helpful is his approach to recent "cutting-edge" art that many dismiss as garbage. He gives validity to every art form and explains reasonably and generously how such seemingly outrageous works also have a place in human evolution. Mr. Moss, an authority on Chinese painting adds a useful balance to the usual Euro-centric way of viewing creativity. I highly recommend this book which should be in every art school and general library.
Naomi Beth Wakan, poet laureate of Nanaimo, BC

[CM]

(Stopped at 40%)

After a few chapters deep in a (brilliant) textbook on art theory*, I came to this slim little book, written by an art dealer, thinking how refreshing it could be to read a non-philosophical take on a closely related subject, art appreciation. Even better when both the writer and illustrator are connected to HK in some way. The main idea, that we should treat art as a means to expand our consciousness by having an active dialogue with the art itself, may not be exactly new or clear, which, alone, is not a deal-breaker. But when he suggests he has found the "enlightenment with capital-e" for the 10th time, it could be more than irritating.

*Introducing Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art by Darren Hudson Hick

[Angelmae · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on Art. Helped me understand not just modern art but also music, literature, performance, architecture. Brief but very effective. Thanks Hugh