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The Honest Art Dictionary: A Jovial Trip Through Art Jargon
In this art dictionary like no other, The Art History Babes (the hosts behind the prolific podcast) break down the elitist world of art with definitions of over 300 essential art terms.
Art speak is infamously alienating, strange, and confusing as hell. Think stereotypical, stylish art dealers who describe art as 'derivative' and 'dynamic' - or stuffy auction houses filled with portraits of dead white people called 'Old Masters'. What do these words mean? Where did they come from? And how can you actually use them?
Spanning art history, iconic movements, peculiar words, and pretentious phrases - after reading this book, you'll be able to lay down that art jargon with the best of them. From avant-garde to oeuvre, the Harlem Renaissance to New Objectivity, museum fatigue to memento mori - the Babes use their whip-smart humor, on-point knowledge, and a heavy dose of candor to explain even the most complex ideas in bite-sized definitions, as in:
ACTION PAINTING (n.) - If Jackie Chan had buckets of paint strapped to his arms and legs in Rush Hour 2, and there just happened to be a blank canvas nearby, you would end up with action painting. [...]
IMPASTO (n.) - Have you ever gotten up close to a painting, looked at it, and thought: "Those brushstrokes are sensual as hell."? That's how I feel about impasto, a painting style that involves applying thick, textured strokes of paint using a brush or palette knife or other tool of your choice. [...]
UKIYO-E (n.) - Beautiful ladies, kabuki actors, epic landscapes, sumo wrestlers, people navigating city streets, and sex stuff! These are some of the common subjects of ukiyo-e art produced in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868.) [...]
With illustrations from Carmen Casado - The Honest Art Dictionary is a valuable starter pack for those new to the study of art history, those re-exploring the discipline, or those simply interested in impressing their friends during a trip to the local art museum.
Art speak is infamously alienating, strange, and confusing as hell. Think stereotypical, stylish art dealers who describe art as 'derivative' and 'dynamic' - or stuffy auction houses filled with portraits of dead white people called 'Old Masters'. What do these words mean? Where did they come from? And how can you actually use them?
Spanning art history, iconic movements, peculiar words, and pretentious phrases - after reading this book, you'll be able to lay down that art jargon with the best of them. From avant-garde to oeuvre, the Harlem Renaissance to New Objectivity, museum fatigue to memento mori - the Babes use their whip-smart humor, on-point knowledge, and a heavy dose of candor to explain even the most complex ideas in bite-sized definitions, as in:
ACTION PAINTING (n.) - If Jackie Chan had buckets of paint strapped to his arms and legs in Rush Hour 2, and there just happened to be a blank canvas nearby, you would end up with action painting. [...]
IMPASTO (n.) - Have you ever gotten up close to a painting, looked at it, and thought: "Those brushstrokes are sensual as hell."? That's how I feel about impasto, a painting style that involves applying thick, textured strokes of paint using a brush or palette knife or other tool of your choice. [...]
UKIYO-E (n.) - Beautiful ladies, kabuki actors, epic landscapes, sumo wrestlers, people navigating city streets, and sex stuff! These are some of the common subjects of ukiyo-e art produced in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868.) [...]
With illustrations from Carmen Casado - The Honest Art Dictionary is a valuable starter pack for those new to the study of art history, those re-exploring the discipline, or those simply interested in impressing their friends during a trip to the local art museum.
243 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2020
25 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 15, 2022
Sure, I took the mandatory art history course in college, but I learned nothing from the countless 90-minute slide presentations. (I tried to take notes, but the instructor went from slide to slide too quickly. I tried to stay awake, but the room was so very warm and dark.) I did manage to pass the course because the tests were multiple choice. I rarely knew the correct answer, but more often than not, I could pick out the numerous incorrect answers.
Oh, if I'd only had this art dictionary back in the day, I might have learned something and enjoyed doing it.
Oh, if I'd only had this art dictionary back in the day, I might have learned something and enjoyed doing it.
August 11, 2020
The title describes itself perfectly. This book is essentially a dictionary of art terms but its so much more than than as well. Through your idea of a dictionary out of your head because this is not that. Don't anticipate a boring dictionary filled with art jargon at every corner where you're already asleep by page 2.
I did not know anything about this when I receive it and I'm glad, it only made me love it more. It is authored by the folks at the Art History Babes Podcast. Don't know who they are? Don't worry you don't need to. But will you want to know more about then? Absolutely.
I would describe this as a dictionary with some personality, maybe some sass. I would say I'm pretty familiar with a lot of art term but even I learned quite a but from this. I would recommend it to everyone, despite thier knowledge level. I would HIGHLY recommend it with someone who is curious about art. I think this book make it approachable but most important makes it fun. Each definition is simplified to its core elements and then expanded upon by providing some fantastic examples and even some pop cultural reference. It essentially bridges the gap for the average consumer and actually make relatable.
Something I did not expect while reading this was how much this would make me laugh. The authors personality is laced into every word and gosh aren't they hilarious. I will definitely be checking out their podcast after this.
This book was also so pleasant to the eye. The timeline in the beginning is presented in such a aesthetic way. It is also filled with some very illustrations to help conceptualize some of the art words.
I would also like to personally thank the authors for finally getting me to understand what camp mean.
I highly, highly recommend this book!
I did not know anything about this when I receive it and I'm glad, it only made me love it more. It is authored by the folks at the Art History Babes Podcast. Don't know who they are? Don't worry you don't need to. But will you want to know more about then? Absolutely.
I would describe this as a dictionary with some personality, maybe some sass. I would say I'm pretty familiar with a lot of art term but even I learned quite a but from this. I would recommend it to everyone, despite thier knowledge level. I would HIGHLY recommend it with someone who is curious about art. I think this book make it approachable but most important makes it fun. Each definition is simplified to its core elements and then expanded upon by providing some fantastic examples and even some pop cultural reference. It essentially bridges the gap for the average consumer and actually make relatable.
Something I did not expect while reading this was how much this would make me laugh. The authors personality is laced into every word and gosh aren't they hilarious. I will definitely be checking out their podcast after this.
This book was also so pleasant to the eye. The timeline in the beginning is presented in such a aesthetic way. It is also filled with some very illustrations to help conceptualize some of the art words.
I would also like to personally thank the authors for finally getting me to understand what camp mean.
I highly, highly recommend this book!
August 24, 2020
So. Much. Fun. I fell in love with art history five years ago in your basic Introduction to Art History course at university. Little did I know, that when my professor spoke of Newgrange and then Neoimpressionism I would find a sector of history to love so passionately. It became my minor and I spent hours researching and reading about art for my own enjoyment. Reading this book brings me back to those moments early on in my degree when I was just an over-eager undergrad wanting to take in everything presented to me. I'll admit first off that I don't really listen to the Art History Babes podcast (or podcasts in general), but their enthusiasm and passion for art history is something I can relate to immensely, as well as the intense desire to share it with as many people as possible (often much to their chagrin), and prove just how cool art and its history can be.
While this is a dictionary, by no means is it the boring type often avoided, with dry entries and definitions upon definitions upon definitions (sorry Oxford English, I love you anyway). Of course it still functions as a dictionary, but it is much more fun. Reading about art by the Art History Babes is like being read to by your cool best friend, or a sophisticated yet edgy older sister who tells you all the hot goss happening in the high school hallways. She holds nothing back and you're left feeling giddy like you have a secret. I think chiaroscuro and fresco are fascinating already, but they make it fascinating for everybody. It's not just Old Masters and Pointillism that get defined, either - things like zine, yarn bomb, and meme all have entries as well. I especially like the illustrations in which they combine various entries into stylistic images that are fun and modern, but still get the point across. Mix things like diptychs and Romanesque with only the coolest pop culture references, and you'll get a dictionary way more rad than Johann Joachim Winckelmann could ever dream of. They aren't afraid to call out art and art history's racist, sexist, classist colonial past, and we love. them. for. it. This is cool. Art is cool. I am OBSESSED with this book and want it for my coffee table immediately.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
While this is a dictionary, by no means is it the boring type often avoided, with dry entries and definitions upon definitions upon definitions (sorry Oxford English, I love you anyway). Of course it still functions as a dictionary, but it is much more fun. Reading about art by the Art History Babes is like being read to by your cool best friend, or a sophisticated yet edgy older sister who tells you all the hot goss happening in the high school hallways. She holds nothing back and you're left feeling giddy like you have a secret. I think chiaroscuro and fresco are fascinating already, but they make it fascinating for everybody. It's not just Old Masters and Pointillism that get defined, either - things like zine, yarn bomb, and meme all have entries as well. I especially like the illustrations in which they combine various entries into stylistic images that are fun and modern, but still get the point across. Mix things like diptychs and Romanesque with only the coolest pop culture references, and you'll get a dictionary way more rad than Johann Joachim Winckelmann could ever dream of. They aren't afraid to call out art and art history's racist, sexist, classist colonial past, and we love. them. for. it. This is cool. Art is cool. I am OBSESSED with this book and want it for my coffee table immediately.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2020
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group White Lion for a temporary digital review edition via NetGalley of ‘The Honest Art Dictionary: a Jovial Trip Through Art Jargon’ by The Art History Babes.
This was the first time I have heard of The Art History Babes collective and from the Introduction I was drawn in by their playful personalities. I loved their approach to the subject and intend to seek out their podcast.
I studied art history at university so was familiar with many of the words here in formal terms and enjoyed the quips and anecdotes provided by the AHBs. Still there were others that were new to me.
It is illustrated with a number of composite images by Carmen Casado that showcase various terms found in the dictionary. These are included in the pictures’ captions along with their page numbers.
This proved an accessible, informative, and enjoyable reference work and I hope to add its hardback edition to my personal art history library in the near future.
I feel that ‘The Honest Art Dictionary’ will appeal to students of art history and for those interested in the subject. It is also a reference work suitable for inclusion in school and public libraries.
This was the first time I have heard of The Art History Babes collective and from the Introduction I was drawn in by their playful personalities. I loved their approach to the subject and intend to seek out their podcast.
I studied art history at university so was familiar with many of the words here in formal terms and enjoyed the quips and anecdotes provided by the AHBs. Still there were others that were new to me.
It is illustrated with a number of composite images by Carmen Casado that showcase various terms found in the dictionary. These are included in the pictures’ captions along with their page numbers.
This proved an accessible, informative, and enjoyable reference work and I hope to add its hardback edition to my personal art history library in the near future.
I feel that ‘The Honest Art Dictionary’ will appeal to students of art history and for those interested in the subject. It is also a reference work suitable for inclusion in school and public libraries.
September 15, 2020
I had never heard of The Art History Babes and their podcast before, but as an amateur art appreciator I wanted to see if their book would educate me.
First off, the landscape format of the ebook as viewed on the NetGalley app and on my ereader app was difficult to navigate. The purple-colored text was a challenge to read especially for people with astigmatism like me because the edges of the letters tend to blur. No actual images of the artwork or art movement described were given, so the reader needs to be ready to Google search.
They did manage to include a wide variety of subjects, from Abstract Expressionism to Zine, and I learned things I did not know or encounter before. The descriptions read as I imagine The AH Babes would sound on their show, that is, like approachable hipsters (I did listen to part of an episode). A good enough book, but not one I would buy for my shelf. Thank you to NetGalley and White Lion Publishing for the e-ARC. 2.5 of 5 stars.
First off, the landscape format of the ebook as viewed on the NetGalley app and on my ereader app was difficult to navigate. The purple-colored text was a challenge to read especially for people with astigmatism like me because the edges of the letters tend to blur. No actual images of the artwork or art movement described were given, so the reader needs to be ready to Google search.
They did manage to include a wide variety of subjects, from Abstract Expressionism to Zine, and I learned things I did not know or encounter before. The descriptions read as I imagine The AH Babes would sound on their show, that is, like approachable hipsters (I did listen to part of an episode). A good enough book, but not one I would buy for my shelf. Thank you to NetGalley and White Lion Publishing for the e-ARC. 2.5 of 5 stars.
October 25, 2020
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. It's a great resource for those who enjoy art but don't have a lot of knowledge about it; it explains the terms in a conversational way, making it more fun to learn about different aspects of art (though admittedly, some bits still went into artier-than-thou territory). The book covers a lot of material, and leaves the reader with a well-rounded and fairly balanced knowledge of art through the ages. What's lacking, however, is visual context. There are some original to this text illustrations throughout the book that sort of give some context to a few terms, but not much. The publisher really should've sprung for actual examples of the art discussed in this book- it would've made this book so much better! The text is good, the authors did well making it accessible to non-experts, so this book is still a worthwhile purchase, but readers should be prepared to do a lot of googling.
#TheHonestArtDictionary #NetGalley
#TheHonestArtDictionary #NetGalley
September 10, 2020
Yes, the art world is elitist and alienating. For years as a writer and editor in media, I have received press releases that seem written with the express purpose of being dense. As if making art accessible threatens the gallerists and artists and museums, as if appealing to more people dilutes the purpose, as if being esoteric is the only way to maintain the sanctity of true "art". Well, that's nonsense. And this book is fantastic. It's so good that I want to buy a copy because an ebook isn't enough. It breaks down jargon, tells strange anecdotes from art history, and simplifies terms with humor and modern-day metaphors. All of it beautifully illustrated.
If you have even a passing curiosity about art of any kind, I'd recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley and The Quarto Group for the review copy.
If you have even a passing curiosity about art of any kind, I'd recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley and The Quarto Group for the review copy.
August 10, 2020
The Honest Art Dictionary from The Art History Babes is the ideal reference book for those who do want to know more about the art they like, or try to like, but don't want to feel compelled to read a dozen books just to begin to understand the basic terms.
I admit that I am partial to books that try to make a field's jargon intelligible for a wider audience, so this book appealed to that part of me. I also did not set the bar too high, I have been disappointed far too often with either overly simplified attempts or ones that still assumed some level of knowledge in a field. Some of those books I still considered good, walking the line between being offering relatively jargon free definitions while also being informative at something beyond a surface level is not an easy task. So imagine my surprise when I had my expectations shattered here. Admittedly I am not an art history expert, my single largest span of time exposed to art terms was when, as a grad student in English and Philosophy, I helped several art grad students work on their statements for their shows. In other words, my understanding has always been that of an outsider. This dictionary will likely be my first stop when I want to refresh my memory (it needs that a lot) on a term or idea. The few terms that I felt I knew from previous work were explained very well without getting bogged down in every possible variation or exception.
Like any book, there were things I found myself wishing were right there, but after thinking about it, I think they made the right decisions. In particular, I found myself wishing there was maybe a list of representative artists for many of the definitions. But to do so would obviously have made the book longer but, I think more importantly, it would have brought in too many places where they would then have felt the need to explain why this artist is listed here, or not listed there. And at that point the simple straightforward dictionary would have become an unwieldy spiderweb of jargon. In other words, it would have defeated the books purpose. Ideally, a reader who wants to know some examples from any term in the book already has the keyword to do a simple search, and with cells and tablets everywhere, this is not too much to ask of the interested reader so that the book can remain compact and on point.
I highly recommend this to the vast majority of people who like art. Even those well-versed in art history and theory may find that this will help them to give less knowledgeable friends explanations that actually reach their friends instead of flying over their heads. For those who simply like art and want to know more about it will find most of what they want here and pointers to where to learn more.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
I admit that I am partial to books that try to make a field's jargon intelligible for a wider audience, so this book appealed to that part of me. I also did not set the bar too high, I have been disappointed far too often with either overly simplified attempts or ones that still assumed some level of knowledge in a field. Some of those books I still considered good, walking the line between being offering relatively jargon free definitions while also being informative at something beyond a surface level is not an easy task. So imagine my surprise when I had my expectations shattered here. Admittedly I am not an art history expert, my single largest span of time exposed to art terms was when, as a grad student in English and Philosophy, I helped several art grad students work on their statements for their shows. In other words, my understanding has always been that of an outsider. This dictionary will likely be my first stop when I want to refresh my memory (it needs that a lot) on a term or idea. The few terms that I felt I knew from previous work were explained very well without getting bogged down in every possible variation or exception.
Like any book, there were things I found myself wishing were right there, but after thinking about it, I think they made the right decisions. In particular, I found myself wishing there was maybe a list of representative artists for many of the definitions. But to do so would obviously have made the book longer but, I think more importantly, it would have brought in too many places where they would then have felt the need to explain why this artist is listed here, or not listed there. And at that point the simple straightforward dictionary would have become an unwieldy spiderweb of jargon. In other words, it would have defeated the books purpose. Ideally, a reader who wants to know some examples from any term in the book already has the keyword to do a simple search, and with cells and tablets everywhere, this is not too much to ask of the interested reader so that the book can remain compact and on point.
I highly recommend this to the vast majority of people who like art. Even those well-versed in art history and theory may find that this will help them to give less knowledgeable friends explanations that actually reach their friends instead of flying over their heads. For those who simply like art and want to know more about it will find most of what they want here and pointers to where to learn more.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
September 3, 2020
I received a digital arc of this title courtesy of Netgalley.
The Art History Babes provide feisty, fierce, and fun definitions of art history terms, ranging from Abstract Expression to Zine. They make quick work of cumbersome concepts and heavy ideas in this newly essential What You Need to Know Guide to Art History. This book would be a lifesaver for someone struggling with a required humanities class and will be a delight to people already swimming in Art History waters. In a conversational and enthusiastic tone, the AHB's will have you clued in to art movements, trends, and notable artworks. They fearlessly taken on current aspects of the art world, such as the Art Bro and Museum Fatigue. Best of all, they will remind you of why art is worth studying and will possibly have you proclaiming your love for stepped-platform architecture too.
The Art History Babes provide feisty, fierce, and fun definitions of art history terms, ranging from Abstract Expression to Zine. They make quick work of cumbersome concepts and heavy ideas in this newly essential What You Need to Know Guide to Art History. This book would be a lifesaver for someone struggling with a required humanities class and will be a delight to people already swimming in Art History waters. In a conversational and enthusiastic tone, the AHB's will have you clued in to art movements, trends, and notable artworks. They fearlessly taken on current aspects of the art world, such as the Art Bro and Museum Fatigue. Best of all, they will remind you of why art is worth studying and will possibly have you proclaiming your love for stepped-platform architecture too.
July 28, 2020
I was an art student back and the day, and to say I've forgotten a few things, is being incredibly kind to myself. I have a memory hole that I cannot dig deep enough for memories resurface. Reading through The Honest Art Dictionary was a nice kick to what I used to know (and thanks to the book hazily remember). It's definitely more up-to-date than when I was in school (so cool to see Data Visualization included). The illustrations are fun, the book is well designed/laid out and most importantly (for me), the information is not overwhelming and hopefully easy to remember - I'll just flip through each time I go to visit a museum. #TheHonestArtDictionary #NetGalley
September 2, 2020
As a casual enjoyer of art, this book seems to be perfect for me. I did do an art appreciation class way back in college but my knowledge of it doesn't go far beyond that. The Honest Art Dictionary is filled with entries that bring the subject to life with both knowledge and wit. While it's a basic book, its breadth is wide enough to include many of the topics relevant in art today. I found this to be a delight to read and it would be great if books on other subjects took a similar approach.
Overall I give this 4 solid stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for sharing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall I give this 4 solid stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for sharing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2021
Everything you ever wanted to know about art but were too embarrassed to ask! Well, maybe not everything. This is a dictionary, not a textbook or catalog of images. But if you're trying to wrap your head around artistic concepts and/or cramming for a test, the Art History Babes are your BFFs. They explain concepts in informal, easy-to-understand bites, without making you feel foolish or hopelessly unhip for not knowing. A fun little gift for a student taking Intro to Art or anyone broadening their horizons.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 22, 2025
Read this book from NetGalley UK in exchange for a fair review.
I haven't tried the podcast - the title of this book got my attention instead.
Although I skipped the introduction, it certainly lives up to its potential as an informative and easily accessible guide to the various jargon when it comes to the art world.
Great for beginners and casual readers. The text is concise and explanatory, not to mention amusing!
There's not a boring moment in the book:)
PS: Clearing my backlog so this review is dated Sept 22, 2025.
I haven't tried the podcast - the title of this book got my attention instead.
Although I skipped the introduction, it certainly lives up to its potential as an informative and easily accessible guide to the various jargon when it comes to the art world.
Great for beginners and casual readers. The text is concise and explanatory, not to mention amusing!
There's not a boring moment in the book:)
PS: Clearing my backlog so this review is dated Sept 22, 2025.
July 30, 2020
Although this dictionary is simple and to the point that is exactly what I need when it comes to describing art. As an art lover who has no real knowledge or education on Art History this is the perfect accompaniment for me when studying art. I loved the humour and the non-stuffy tone of the book, it has a very down to earth feel about it and is very unique in this. It would be a book that I would dip in and out of many times for reference
September 8, 2020
This is a really fun book full of art terms that are written in a playful style that really makes this dictionary engaging. I’ve listened to the author’s podcast for a few years now and found myself reading these definitions and descriptions, hearing the voice of each individual writer- as identified by their initial after each entry. I wasn’t expecting that. Lol.
Anyway, being a retired art teacher I found this book delightful and fun and learned a few things as well!
Anyway, being a retired art teacher I found this book delightful and fun and learned a few things as well!
September 1, 2022
I love how simple and funny is. It’s so approachable and would even fantastic as a school reference for elementary and up. Right away I cackled when I read “a legit Neanderthal” on the timeline. I’m buying for our second grade homeschool, because even with an Art Theory/History background, I need all the help I can get to simplify and explain in a fun way and this book hits it on the nose.
abandoned
September 7, 2025Not the first time even this year I've tried to read a 'dictionary style' book. Nothing against them, but I don't think they're for me. Especially in the time frame of the library check out and especially on kindle.
July 28, 2020
A vary basic overview of some of the art movements. Not a lot of detail, a distinct avoidance of mentioning all but the most well known artists.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews