Exploring Art: A Global, Thematic Approach

by Margaret Lazzari, Dona Schlesier

EXPLORING ART offers a thematic and global approach to teaching art appreciation. It balances Western and non-Western approaches to art, unlike competing books, which concentrate much more on Western art, artists, and historical styles. This global approach acknowledges the diverse backgrounds of today's art students, and explores the similarities that unite culture, as well as difference or distinctions. In doing so, EXPLORING ART ultimately reveals the universality of the human impulse to create art, as well as the persistence of basic themes.

Genres: Art, History, Textbooks, School

552 pages, Paperback

First published December 22, 2004

Reviews

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of my Intro to Art college course.

[Ev · Rating 3 out of 5]

for a textbook, not too bad. i feel like i actually learned some things

[MRWee · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this book for my Art as Communication class. I actually liked the class in general the book was okay read.

[Troy · Rating 3 out of 5]

We explored art.

[Norren · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Margo · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Edward O'Neill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different approach to art: art as a cultural phenomenon, ways of living--inhabitation, worship, decoration of human tools, etc.

Important European art is there, too. But the context is wider. I found this a stimulating approach.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for art educators!