"The words of the prophets are/Written on the subway walls/And tenement halls..."
This book brings these lines from The Sound of Silence by Simon & Gar"The words of the prophets are/Written on the subway walls/And tenement halls..."
This book brings these lines from The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel to mind. Bombed out buildings that have been painted over with murals that depict symbols from the past now ready to fight for tomorrow. Heartbreaking scenes of devastation that are used as a way to inspire hope and resistance. Highest recommendation. ...more
Hilma af Klint was a pioneer in abstractionist expressions through art, but she was forgotten. This is yet another example of a woman not getting credHilma af Klint was a pioneer in abstractionist expressions through art, but she was forgotten. This is yet another example of a woman not getting credit for innovation, simply because men in power would not give it to her. This book would be particularly inspiring for a young girl interested in art.
A thoughtful introduction to this iconic artist. Technique and training are covered well and in a way that younger readers will understand. The artistA thoughtful introduction to this iconic artist. Technique and training are covered well and in a way that younger readers will understand. The artist (Ginnie Hsu) has done a fine job of evoking the art of Monet without trying to copy him. A solid foundational book that will encourage young readers to discover more about Monet and the other Impressionist....more
Amazing story of the Mexihcah (Aztec) and other Mesoamerican people who were making books long before the Spanish came. Most of the books (codices) weAmazing story of the Mexihcah (Aztec) and other Mesoamerican people who were making books long before the Spanish came. Most of the books (codices) were burned by priests who came with the Spanish. The language was very similar to emojis - just think of how much information was lost forever; time and time again we see this - book burning is a clear sign of tyranny....more
It is truly shocking how many different ways there are to torture people - one has to question why this is the case. Many of the saints in this book wIt is truly shocking how many different ways there are to torture people - one has to question why this is the case. Many of the saints in this book were tortured and martyred simply because they would not sacrifice to other gods. This book has many beautiful works of art that help you identify each of the saints. A brief biography is also included for each saint....more
Wonderful introduction to Ben Shahn and how he used his art to address issues of social justice. There are so many people who were trail blazers in thWonderful introduction to Ben Shahn and how he used his art to address issues of social justice. There are so many people who were trail blazers in the fight for social equality; Ben Shahn was always aware of the intersection between art and the ability to influence the masses. But he suffered when the powers that be decided that he had gone 'off script' as far as his message. A book that is pertinent today as we all try to navigate the intersection between art and politics. ...more
Wonderful introduction to this important artist - young children will be introduced to some of his work framed around the story of his life - LaurenceWonderful introduction to this important artist - young children will be introduced to some of his work framed around the story of his life - Laurence Anholt has really brought Chagall to life for future generations. This book will be a great 'gateway' book to introducing children to the wonderful world of art. ...more
Very Foucauldian look at art [reason/freedom] that asks important questions about what 'art' really is; issues of social control are examined in the lVery Foucauldian look at art [reason/freedom] that asks important questions about what 'art' really is; issues of social control are examined in the light of post-structuralism - very unique take on 'crime' as mediated by consensual interpretation. Really liked the fact that this GN went to the edge; can see this being a supplemental text or additional book on a reading list in philosophy of art class. ...more
The perfect storm of greed, envy and fame; Walter Keane wanted so badly to be famous that it did not matter what he had to do...even if it meant takinThe perfect storm of greed, envy and fame; Walter Keane wanted so badly to be famous that it did not matter what he had to do...even if it meant taking credit for the paintings of his wife Margaret. A causionary tale of the extreme price of fame - Bronson Pinchot does a fantastic job....more
Ready for you to populate with happy trees! A coloring book that Bob would be proud of! There seems to be a kind of 'Bobaissance' going on right now; Ready for you to populate with happy trees! A coloring book that Bob would be proud of! There seems to be a kind of 'Bobaissance' going on right now; maybe with COVID more people have come to appreciate what Bob was trying to do. I have always been a big fan - would have really liked to have met Bob....more
This book has been on my list for so long - now I am in awe of Marshall McLuhan built upon the work of Ferdinand Tönnies and Max Weber (Gemeinschaft uThis book has been on my list for so long - now I am in awe of Marshall McLuhan built upon the work of Ferdinand Tönnies and Max Weber (Gemeinschaft und Gesellschaft) and helped us understand the seismic waves that would trigger the 'reality-quake' that the media started in the 60's...the effects of which we are still feeling today...now more than ever!...more
What a wonderful way to introduce young children to the luminous art of Jan Vermeer! Last year a friend of mine who teaches grade school told me that What a wonderful way to introduce young children to the luminous art of Jan Vermeer! Last year a friend of mine who teaches grade school told me that art is one of the most politically 'charged' debates as far as curriculum. Very strong opinions voiced that seem to be focused on issues that have little to do with art. Very sad!
A wonderful book that puts the 'ballerina' paintings of Degas into a sequence that forms a simple story that children can follow. A wonderful book that puts the 'ballerina' paintings of Degas into a sequence that forms a simple story that children can follow. ...more
Simple pictures to color along Zen quotes from Bob - I really enjoyed how this book 'centered' me and made me see that we all can pick the colors of oSimple pictures to color along Zen quotes from Bob - I really enjoyed how this book 'centered' me and made me see that we all can pick the colors of our lives. Bob has always been an example of someone who was in the moment; his focus was on what he was creating and his connection to the viewer. That is a very important lesson that we often do not value....more
Interesting freedom quotes along patriotic Thomas Kinkade images. In a way I think TK work is kind of 'seeping' into Americana; always find it fascinaInteresting freedom quotes along patriotic Thomas Kinkade images. In a way I think TK work is kind of 'seeping' into Americana; always find it fascinating when this happens. How do we as a culture 'select' the things that 'reflect' who we (think) are? Guess you could spend your life looking into it. ...more
Such a wonderful book! Children will be fascinated by the differing visions of a snowman painted by some of the great masters - fun and informative. CSuch a wonderful book! Children will be fascinated by the differing visions of a snowman painted by some of the great masters - fun and informative. Children who are interested in art will be amazed at how art is able to be expressed by different artists; and I think it will help spark creativity the more they read about how art is always evolving. ...more
The story of the painting is told through the story of the man - the journey of Diego Velázquez and his painting (Las Meninas) reflects questions thatThe story of the painting is told through the story of the man - the journey of Diego Velázquez and his painting (Las Meninas) reflects questions that are timeless: perception, power, talent...a life lived in a court that both rewarded and sheltered those who swore allegiance to the king (state). This GN will stay with you as you ponder what 'mirrors' you observe the reflection of life through - highest recommendation....more
An imaginary tour through Roy's house using his paintings. Great introduction to this important artist. This book would be wonderful to read with a smAn imaginary tour through Roy's house using his paintings. Great introduction to this important artist. This book would be wonderful to read with a small child who is showing an interest in art and design; think it is so important to nurture the interests of children so that they see the potentiality in what they want to study. ...more