Man has always been creating art. It is a vital part of our lives. Right from cavemen who illustrated the walls of their caves with natural colours to modern artists who have digital installations, the story of art mirrors that of man’s evolution. Why is art full of naked people and other vital questions about art by Susie Hodge takes us through the story of art through some really relevant questions.
The book has many questions about art. These cover an entire range of art periods and styles. Right from cave art to the renaissance and modern masters, up to the more recent developments in digital art, the book picks key points. It also gives the answers in a humorous and irreverent way.
All the questions have been answered in a brief but comprehensive manner. There are quite a few images and pictures to add. The book has extremely vivid illustrations and representations of artworks. In that sense it is quite a delightful read.
One does not really need to go through the book in a chronological order. Each page has a separate topic and question and one can read as one pleases.
The language is lucid and it really simplifies the supposedly complex subject of art into simple digestible bits of information that will be of interest to adults and children.
This is definitely a book you want to keep in your collection and keep going back to. It’s a great buy for children from 7-12 years of age. However, I feel this is a book apt for anyone who wants a basic knowledge about art. (Another interactive book on Indian Artists is here)
It definitely has some of my favourite questions about art. For instance, how do you make art scary? Are you outraged by this picture? Why paint a view? Is art on a tablet real art? Why is art so expensive? Do you have to be clever to look at art? Why do people bother with art at all? And yes, why is art full of naked people?
You may like to read about Introducing Indian artists to young children.
Title: Why is art full of naked people?
Author: Susie Hodge
Publisher: Thames and Hudson, 2016
Age: Young readers, 7-13