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A review by myreadingcorner_
Art Theory: A Very Short Introduction by Cynthia Freeland
5.0
This was such an enjoyable reading for me. This book won't make you an expert on art theory, but will introduce you to some of its debates. I like that it tries to be as broad as possible by for example dedicating a chapter to non-western art and explaining different theories in the field of art that can range from classic anthropology to gender studies and postcolonialism.
I also appreciated that instead of giving an historical account of art theory and its development she moved swiftly throughout different themes in art theory such as the market, gender issues, understanding art, art and the digital world, etc.
I loved Cynthia's humor. I was laughing so much when I read subtitles like McLuhan meets MTV or when she mentions how some people call Baudrillard "the high priest of postmodernism". And I can understand these jokes may not be for everyone but I appreciated them because academia does not need to be so serious about itself all the time.
I also liked that Cynthia is unafraid to state what her opinion is regarding certain theories and properly give arguments to support her views. Lastly, this book won't really give you answers, but rather expose you to some of the debates around the field of art theory so you can further explore them according to your interests.
I also appreciated that instead of giving an historical account of art theory and its development she moved swiftly throughout different themes in art theory such as the market, gender issues, understanding art, art and the digital world, etc.
I loved Cynthia's humor. I was laughing so much when I read subtitles like McLuhan meets MTV or when she mentions how some people call Baudrillard "the high priest of postmodernism". And I can understand these jokes may not be for everyone but I appreciated them because academia does not need to be so serious about itself all the time.
I also liked that Cynthia is unafraid to state what her opinion is regarding certain theories and properly give arguments to support her views. Lastly, this book won't really give you answers, but rather expose you to some of the debates around the field of art theory so you can further explore them according to your interests.