Who Says That’s Art?
A Commonsense View of the Visual Arts
by Michelle Marder Kamhi
Pro Arte Books, 2014
Paperback, 336 pages (indexed), ISBN 978-0-9906057-0-6
Kindle, ISBN 978-0-9906057-1-3
EPub, ISBN 978-0-9906057-2-0
Today’s artworld experts accept virtually anything as art. But many art lovers reject the “cutting-edge” inventions that fill museums and galleries of “contemporary art” worldwide.
Who Says That’s Art? explains why their view is right and the would-be experts are wrong. Drawing on evidence ranging from anthropology to recent findings of neuroscience, it offers a vigorous yet readily understandable defense of the public’s commonsense view of art. It also provides fresh insight into genuine art across the wide spectrum of art history, including both recent work and masterpieces from the past (see Table of Contents and Artworld Myths Debunked).
If you think that art should look more like this. . .
than like this. . .
Who Says That’s Art? will help you understand why you are right and critics and curators of “contemporary art” are largely mistaken.
Praise for Who Says That’s Art?
“Forceful and persuasive. . . . An impressive companion for advanced studies in visual arts, accessible enough for general-interest readers.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Kamhi’s scrutiny is unerring. . . . providing non-specialists with a scholarly yet accessible account that not only explains how to distinguish genuine art but also promises to enhance its appreciation.” — Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
“If like most people you are confused by the extremes of ‘contemporary art,’ this book is a must read. Kamhi applies a lifetime of experience to the task of clarifying the murky realm of artworld theory. Concisely addressing and clarifying all the main issues, she shows why much contemporary work shouldn’t qualify as art at all. In addition, she provides a sound basis for appreciating real art, both new and old.” — John Nutt, painter and art educator (U.K.)
See more Reviews and What Readers Say.
[Introductory Chapter].