Creation: A fully illustrated, panoramic world history of art from ancient civilisation to the present day

by John-Paul Stonard

From distinguished critic and curator John-Paul Stonard, a dazzling, panoramic world history of art from ancient times to the present for the twenty-first century reader.

Creation tells the extraordinary story of how people all over the globe, from prehistory to the present day, have created images in order to understand the world they inhabit. It explores the remarkable endurance of this creative impulse, and by tracing the diversity of artistic forms through the ages, offers a comprehensive and exhilarating introduction to world art.

Historian, critic, and curator John-Paul Stonard has assembled a dazzling array of paintings, sculptures and artifacts to tell a story of vitality and renewal. Fully illustrated, each chapter of Creation allows intimate access to key works of art and the conversations surrounding them, from the earliest cave paintings of the Palaeolithic Era to the conceptual art of today. Stonard has written a captivating and searching look at the evolving legacies of the past and casts a cold eye on our own unstable vantage point.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

464 pages, Hardcover

Published December 7, 2021

Reviews

[Catalin Bindea · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the advent of modernity, art's role became increasingly complex. It challenged conventions, questioned established norms, and sought to express the anxieties and aspirations of a rapidly changing world.

"Art is a primal urge, as much a part of us as language or fire." ; indeed, the book's ambitious journey through human artistic expression reveals a profound truth: art is not merely a decorative endeavor, but a reflection of our evolution, a mirror held up to the very essence of our humanity.

From the crude handprints adorning the walls of prehistoric caves to the intricate digital landscapes of contemporary artists, Stonard's narrative showcases the interconnectedness of human creativity with our evolving consciousness. We see how the earliest forms of art served as expressions of survival and spirituality, depicting the hunt, the heavens, and the human form in its raw, unadorned state.

As civilizations arose, art became a vehicle for cultural identity, a testament to our collective ingenuity. The Egyptian pyramids, Greek sculptures, and Renaissance masterpieces stand as monumental testaments to our growing mastery over materials and our insatiable thirst for beauty.

But it is not merely in the grand monuments that we see our evolution reflected. Stonard's exploration of seemingly mundane objects – from ancient pottery to medieval manuscripts – reveals the intimate connection between art and everyday life. These artifacts speak of our ingenuity, our values, and our social structures, providing a window into the hearts and minds of our ancestors.

Today, in a world saturated with images, art continues to evolve, embracing new technologies and pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible. Yet, as Stonard reminds us, the underlying impulse remains the same: to create, to communicate, and to connect with others through the language of visual expression.

The evolution of art is a testament to our innate creativity and our boundless capacity for self-expression. As we continue to evolve, so too will our art, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of human experience.

[MissBabbage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!