NONFICTION

Why Is Art Full of Naked People?: And Other Vital Questions About Art

by HODGE
, Susie. illus. by Claire Goble. 76p. glossary. index. reprods. Thames & Hudson. Oct. 2016. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9780500650806.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4–8—The title alone is enough to hook browsers. Hodge uses high-level questions about famous and lesser-known works of art to provoke critical thinking about a variety of artists and their creations. Newcomers and frequent museum visitors alike will find themselves thinking about the pieces in unexpected ways. The author offers this bit of wisdom: "Some people think that you have to be clever to understand art. Others think that art can make you clever. But most of the time you just have to know what to look for." Comedic cartoon guides help point out some of the concepts mentioned in the text, while the questions allow students to make the reading experience their own. For further exploration, an annotated list of illustrations is provided.
VERDICT Intriguing questions on everything from ancient cave paintings to Banksy's latest street art tickle the brain in this colorful romp through the art world. For both art aficionados and newcomers.
Reviewed by Jane Miller, Nashville Public Library
Critical, honest questions guide readers through an introduction to general art theory and criticism. The text, with periodic bolded words highlighting key concepts, answers some burning queries and also promotes further inquiry. Spreads feature multiple and varied captioned images, but linear layouts make the information easy to follow. Occasionally, questions encourage skipping to different sections for answers, providing opportunities for browsing. Glos., ind.
 , Nov 01, 2016

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