Abstract Art (World of Art)

This is the perfect book for the lay person (not the artist, the art history major, or the art expert)to get an introduction to abstract art, which in fact IS 20th century art. For the last 100 years there has been a radical departure from the representational, the portraits of the wealthy, the landscapes, the still lifes of fruits and flowers. If you have ever stood in front of a painting at the Museum of Modern Art (or its local equivalent) and wondered what's really behind it? Is there a meaning? Is the artist just putting us on? This is the book you want to start with. It's short, to the point, easy to read and contains many black and white and color illustrations from all of the major artists. The author discusses the subject chronologically, making it easy to follow. The illustrations are numbered, and when an artwork is being discussed in the text, she puts the number in the margin so that you can follow along with the picture. The book provides an excellent general background. If you want to delve further, using this book as a jumping-off point, it's easy to determine which artists or styles may interest you more. The writing is not overly technical; i found i learned a lot and probably will be reading more in the area. This is well written and well organized, and well worth the time.

This a a great little book. Concise info about abstract art.

I haven't read much of the book to really give it a fair review. It's a used copy and filled with notes and underlines. Although I find it fascinating to read what was important to this previous owner, it has interrupted my progress with the book. However, I believe it will serve the purpose intended and that is a concise overview of the abstract art movement.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0500202370/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title e.macie

MANY prints of fine abstract art. The details given for the artist and the periods are very good

I really liked this book and all the information and the way it was written but i expected some color and photographs for a book that is about art and especially abstract art. I just never expected it to be mostly all words and black and white! With that said it really is a great read and full of such wonderful history about abstract art that it is a wonderful book.

Okay

The beauty of color, line, proportions, and textures are described for those interested in learning how to appreciate abstract art. The book follows the abstract movements in chronological order, making it easy for the reader to grasp the work of great artists such as O'Keefe, Kandinsky, Mondrian, Pollock, and Johns. An important reference book for any public or private library.

Anna Moszynska’s book is just right for the absolute beginner to those with an overview of the subject. Refreshingly it gives not just a great introduction to all the various art movements in Europe and the USA but also those globally. It is perfect for enjoying selected pictures and reading about the background, the artist’s development and the reactions of the day. From the many recognised and admired works to those lesser known and quirky right up to the present day, this book will enlighten and add great enjoyment to all future exhibitions on Abstract art. I look forward to reading more in this series.

This is the new edition which also includes women abstract artists.

This is a 'trade paperback' not a hard cover. The overall quality of the book is very good. The illustrations are good. Admirably written for content and clarity.

Abstract Art isn't an easy subject to understand, but Anna Moszynska's clear, concise and engaging style of writing brings the whole movement and its history into context brilliantly. With immense knowledge and insight, she charts its history from the very start of the 20th century right up to the present day, in this updated version of her original book. Peppered with stunning colour reproductions, it's more than just a coffee table book and more than just a text book, it's something you can delve in and out of and find something inspiring and interesting on every page. A must buy for art history students, as well as art lovers in general.

There is a lot of information in this book, but there are so many ill-defined and overlapping movements of a temporary nature that it is hard to grasp. At the beginning, female pioneers are acknowledged in the foreword (for example Hilda af Klint), but I didn’t feel the text had been revised adequately to accommodate them.