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sophiecatherine's review against another edition
4.0
Good introduction to the art world, has its lengths though.
aimee_ls's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
cantordustbunnies's review against another edition
4.0
This droll account of strange and often insufferable subcultures was amusing and informative. Much of the art discussed within is of the pretentious, postering, esoteric variety. I enjoyed being exposed to all the different outlooks that the people involved in this rarefied world have. The author did a good job of incorporating differing viewpoints without taking any of them too seriously, while also maintaining a certain degree of respect. This book is not so much about the art but about the people involved with art and it is an entertaining snot riot. I think this book would do great if converted into a film replete with all the quirky characters, politics, competitiveness, hot air, and bizarre exhibits. I was introduced to a few artists whose work I genuinely appreciated through this book but overall it’s difficult not to feel somewhat cynical or even annoyed witnessing what people do with lots of education and/or money. I thought it was a little on the light or gossipy side, with the author consistently foregrounding herself. It was a little bit like seeing a selfie a woman took in front of a crowd of art people, rather than seeing a portrait of a crowd of art people.
vivacissimx's review against another edition
2.0
Cloying at times, and multiple asked myself, "who cares?" but then realized I clearly do if I'm reading it! Learned a lot reading it, appreciate the different perspectives.
ronanmcd's review against another edition
5.0
I wouldn't say I'm any more informed about art after this book. Probably less so as I now have no concept of what it is or what makes it good.
Reading these interviews, thoughts and scenarios is enthralling. But you do come away from it wondering is art
1 - an inside joke
2 - a money laundering scheme
3 - not for the likes of you / me / us / them
4 - real - does it even exist in a pure form anywhere?
That's what makes the book so good. You are twirling between huge personalities and emerge with less concensus than when you dove in. What is it? What makes it good? Who makes it? But do they really or is it something else they make?
Your head will be spinning.
Reading these interviews, thoughts and scenarios is enthralling. But you do come away from it wondering is art
1 - an inside joke
2 - a money laundering scheme
3 - not for the likes of you / me / us / them
4 - real - does it even exist in a pure form anywhere?
That's what makes the book so good. You are twirling between huge personalities and emerge with less concensus than when you dove in. What is it? What makes it good? Who makes it? But do they really or is it something else they make?
Your head will be spinning.
happylatitudes's review against another edition
1.0
So maybe this book mattered 10 years ago when it was written....
But it is totally irrelevant today.
Why?
Social media (ello, etsy, and other online ways to share art) have broadened the pool.
No longer are the "tastemakers" an elite few "deciders" who pick and choose based on who they know, what's hot, and where they have invested.
Art has followed music into the hands of the masses, democratizing (but not necessarily monetizing) the process.
So if you actually care what the "art world" (quaint term, that) was like 10 years ago, this book might provide some insights.
But it is totally irrelevant today.
Why?
Social media (ello, etsy, and other online ways to share art) have broadened the pool.
No longer are the "tastemakers" an elite few "deciders" who pick and choose based on who they know, what's hot, and where they have invested.
Art has followed music into the hands of the masses, democratizing (but not necessarily monetizing) the process.
So if you actually care what the "art world" (quaint term, that) was like 10 years ago, this book might provide some insights.
annabelle's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
A great introduction and overview of some of the different spheres of the art world. The writing was engaging and easy to read. I liked all the different point of views and seeing how these spheres interact with each other. I do think it was a somewhat narrow view that we got since so much focused on the upper echelons. Nevertheless, that is a part of art and an interesting world to explore.