Abstract Art

by Anna Moszynska

Since the early years of the twentieth century, Western abstract art has fascinated, outraged, and bewildered audiences. Its path to acceptance within the artistic mainstream was slow. This revised edition traces the origins and evolution of abstract art, placing it in broad cultural context.

Well-respected scholar Anna Moszynska examines the pioneering work of Hilma af Klint, Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Piet Mondrian alongside...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0500204454
• ISBN13: 9780500204450
• Release Date: April 2020
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Want to understand abstract art?

This is the perfect book for the lay person (not the artist, the art history major, or the art expert)to get an introduction to abstract art, which in fact IS 20th century art. For the last 100 years there has been a radical departure from the representational, the portraits of the wealthy, the landscapes, the still lifes of fruits and flowers. If you have ever stood in front of a painting at the Museum of Modern Art (or its local equivalent) and wondered what's really behind it? Is there a meaning? Is the artist just putting us on? This is the book you want to start with. It's short, to the point, easy to read and contains many black and white and color illustrations from all of the major artists. The author discusses the subject chronologically, making it easy to follow. The illustrations are numbered, and when an artwork is being discussed in the text, she puts the number in the margin so that you can follow along with the picture. The book provides an excellent general background. If you want to delve further, using this book as a jumping-off point, it's easy to determine which artists or styles may interest you more. The writing is not overly technical; i found i learned a lot and probably will be reading more in the area. This is well written and well organized, and well worth the time.

A Great Guide to Abstract Creations

The beauty of color, line, proportions, and textures are described for those interested in learning how to appreciate abstract art. The book follows the abstract movements in chronological order, making it easy for the reader to grasp the work of great artists such as O'Keefe, Kandinsky, Mondrian, Pollock, and Johns. An important reference book for any public or private library.

An excellent introduction to Abstract Art

Ever walked into a museum or gallery reacted to an abstract painting not sure of what you might be seeing and what may cause the love or revulsion? Moszynska takes the reader on an unforgettable tour of what was and how it came to be. Paintings that you have seen reproduced for years will take on new life. An excellent introduction to Abstract Art, this book is a great refresher course for those of us who have forgotten everything we were supposed to have learned in Art Appreciation classes.