Last but not least, here’s a list of books in art history. I hope you find a something to read in this! Enjoy!
The Arts and Civilization series from Pelican Books
These are in-depth studies into periods in art history, covering context, cultural and architectural history from a range of experts. The one on ‘Neo'-Classicism’ by Hugh Honour is one one that I highly recommend as it led me to see the beauty in an art style I’d previously disliked.
‘Art of China, Korea and Japan’ by Peter Swann
If you’re looking for an in-depth study into any of these country’s art, this may not be the best book for you, but if you’re at all interested in how these countries link culturally, then this would be a good one to look at.
‘Orientalism’ by Edward W. Said
Rather than focusing on art, Said’s work hones in on Wester attitudes towards the East as “an ideological creation” ultimately enforcing racism and imperialism. Overall an important text to read if you’re at all interested in how culture is shaped by politics and misconceptions.
‘Art in Modern Culture’ Edited by Francis Frascina and Jonathon Harris
A great collection to dip and out of, these essays have helped me understand the multi-faceted modern art movement and the issues it explored, reacted to and created. The essays range from Noam Chomsky’s ‘Politics and Intelligentsia’ to Hal Foster’s ‘The “Primitive” Unconscious of Modern Art’ and Walter Benjamin’s ‘The World of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.’
‘The Story of Art Without Men’ by Katy Hessel
In response to the art world’s distinctly male presence, Hessel’s book whizzes through both the lesser and more commonly known female artists that are ever-present yet ever-glossed over throughout the artistic canon. I have a few qualms with the concept of this book, but hopefully I’ll be able to put my thoughts in order for a whole essay on that soon.
If you have any other recommendation or have read any of these books, please feel free to share!
Here, are some questions to consider:
What is more effective approach to learning about art history: books covering a specific artist/movement or one with a larger scope?
Will we ever reach a point where different histories of artists (sorted by gender or nationality, for example) aren’t distinct from each other?
And,
Do you have a favourite artist?
Currently reading: ‘A Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women’ by Siri Hustvedt and ‘The Oxford Book of Japanese Short Stories’ by Theobore W. Goosen
Random Recommendation: ‘Chaconne’ by Enhypen
Have a good day! (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)
this is post number 9 not number 8 by the way