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not_another_ana's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.5
This is the essence of what this entire book is about, exploring great art by great artists who fuel and expand our understanding of what art can mean and do for society.
Exactly what it claims to be, this is a book about women artists. It focuses on shedding light on forgotten artists who never got their deserved flowers due to sexism but also racism and any other excuse the generally white, straight, male establishment could find to deny them their recognition. The author does her best to cover as much historical and geographical ground as possible. I find this to be more of a starting point for learning about these women since it has to cram a lot of information and names so it never goes too deep into any of them. Use this to familiarize yourself with the artists and then go find a book just about them. I liked it very much but I do think that there could have been more non western women artists. Other than that do yourself a favor and, if possible, get this book in print so you can enjoy the beautiful artwork as it is meant to.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Racism
pencils's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Sexual assault and Mental illness
makenna_reads's review against another edition
inspiring
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Minor: Forced institutionalization
rebecca_arch_art's review
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
I think this has been my favourite read of 2023 so far. I’ve read a lot of feminist literature (fiction and non-fiction) this year, that throws a spotlight on what women have been denied, or has been missing from our lives, whereas this book has been a celebration of what can be added back into history and into my understanding of the world.
It’s been fascinating to discover how these artists have responded to world events over the last 1000 years, from war to revolution and developments in science, technology and the media. The obscuring of women from art history really does serve to explain the purpose of art itself. To make sense of the world and our place in it, as we all fight for understanding and significance in an ever increasing world that makes us feel confused and insignificant.
While not excusing, but potentially explaining why women have been actively minimised in the art world, I was struck by the realisation that space and attention are finite, and male artists pushed female artists aside in an attempt to hold that space for themselves.
There are several examples in this book of uncredited female inspiration for famous male works, and in some cases, downright theft of female art by male artists, that will have you questioning the very art history you thought you knew.
Wonderfully intersectional, Hessel ensures that the full gender spectrum away from male, is showcased, as well as art and contributions from across the globe. It feels like I’d been reading a history book with every other page torn out for the last few decades as I’ve started to explore my interest in art, and it has filled me with a renewed belief in my ability, the topics I care to represent, and the importance and talent of female artists since art began.
I recommend you read this book with a laptop/tablet/phone close to hand, as you will want to look up the pieces mentioned in the book that are not pictured. I found this really enhanced my experience, to add more images and visual stimuli. It’s also helpful to discuss the chapters as you go and explore your feelings (anger, sadness, disappointment, inspiration, enthusiasm) so I think this would suit a book club really well.
I have also found new paintings and installations I never knew existed and that I have fallen in love with, that I will be off to visit and potentially draw inspiration from when I next pick my own brushes up!
It’s been fascinating to discover how these artists have responded to world events over the last 1000 years, from war to revolution and developments in science, technology and the media. The obscuring of women from art history really does serve to explain the purpose of art itself. To make sense of the world and our place in it, as we all fight for understanding and significance in an ever increasing world that makes us feel confused and insignificant.
While not excusing, but potentially explaining why women have been actively minimised in the art world, I was struck by the realisation that space and attention are finite, and male artists pushed female artists aside in an attempt to hold that space for themselves.
There are several examples in this book of uncredited female inspiration for famous male works, and in some cases, downright theft of female art by male artists, that will have you questioning the very art history you thought you knew.
Wonderfully intersectional, Hessel ensures that the full gender spectrum away from male, is showcased, as well as art and contributions from across the globe. It feels like I’d been reading a history book with every other page torn out for the last few decades as I’ve started to explore my interest in art, and it has filled me with a renewed belief in my ability, the topics I care to represent, and the importance and talent of female artists since art began.
I recommend you read this book with a laptop/tablet/phone close to hand, as you will want to look up the pieces mentioned in the book that are not pictured. I found this really enhanced my experience, to add more images and visual stimuli. It’s also helpful to discuss the chapters as you go and explore your feelings (anger, sadness, disappointment, inspiration, enthusiasm) so I think this would suit a book club really well.
I have also found new paintings and installations I never knew existed and that I have fallen in love with, that I will be off to visit and potentially draw inspiration from when I next pick my own brushes up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Death, Drug abuse, Genocide, Sexism, Sexual assault, War, Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, Grief, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, and Slavery
frannymuzza's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Excellent book charting the chronology of female artists throughout history who have been overlooked.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Sexism, War, Racism, Slavery, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Addiction, and Suicide
hilly_em's review
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexism
questingnotcoasting's review
informative
medium-paced
4.0
I know very little about art but most of what I do know I've learnt from books like this. This is definitely the best one I've read. It's very accessible for someone with little to no prior knowledge of art history and includes so many photos which I really appreciated. I've followed Katy Hessel on Instagram for years and have enjoyed discovering women artists through her account so I'm pleased to have now found lots more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
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