But Is It Art?: An Introduction to Art Theory 
asked by smiling on November 1, 2006 6:00 AM
In today's art world many strange, even shocking, things qualify as art. In this book, Cynthia Freeland explains why innovation and controversy are valued in the arts, weaving together philosophy and art theory with many fascinating examples. She discusses blood, beauty, culture, money, museums, sex, and politics, clarifying contemporary and historical accounts of the nature, function, and interpretation of the arts. Freeland also propels us into the future by surveying cutting-edge web sites, along with the latest research on the brain's role in perceiving art. This clear, provocative book engages with the big debates surrounding our responses to art and is an invaluable introduction to anyone interested in thinking about art.
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On the subject of art (or should it be Art?): Freeland's book is a good and relevant treatment of the issue, low of jargon and high on no nonsense sociology. I was surprised, however, to see no treatment of the historical rise of "nobrow" artistic culture and no philosophical and socio-aesthetic analysis of the phenomenon. In general there was almost no analysis of literature/literary fiction. C'mon, art is not equivalent to the visual culture. Let me just say that this astonishing gap is filled by a magnificent book by Peter Swirski 'From lowbrow to nobrow' which I heartily recommend to those who finished 'But is is art' feeling only partly sated.
reviewed by geri1956 on November 7, 2006 1:34 PM
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The book was delivered in a timely manner. I needed it for a class-it was concise though a little boring unless it's your field.
reviewed by markymark on November 9, 2006 4:34 PM
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I had to buy this book for class. It's actually a good book. I'm glad I bought it.
reviewed by fabio on November 13, 2006 12:09 PM
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Freeland's "But is it Art?" is an excellent handbook for digesting the art entity from a contemporary perspective in a time where so many people look at a work and say "what the hell is that?". And the way she breaks it down so simply and quickly makes it an excellent read; one you can accomplish in, say, your next four or five 'commercial breaks'...
reviewed by formula on November 28, 2006 9:40 PM