The Art of Understanding Art: A Behind the Scenes Story

293 Pages·2012·14.45 MB·English

by  Irina D. Costache

The Art of
Understanding Art

The Art of
Understanding Art
Irina D. Costache
A John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Publication
This edition first published 2012
© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Costache, Irina Dana.
The art of understanding art / Irina D. Costache.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-470-65832-1 (hardcover : alk. paper) – ISBN 978-0-470-65834-5 (pbk. : alk. paper)
1. Art–Textbooks. I. Title.
N7425.C67 2011
701'.1–dc23
2011036426
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Set in 11/13pt on Dante by Toppan Best-set Premedia Limited
1 2012
To all unknown “Van Goghs”

Contents
Acknowledgments xiii
Why Should Art Matter to You? A Message to Art Beginners xv
Introduction: What Is Art? xvi
Navigating the Book: A User’s Guide xxi
Why Is Art Made? The Purposes of Art: A Brief Overview
from A to Z xxiv
The Anatomy of a Work of Art xxxii
PART ONE MAKING ART 1
1 Artists and Patrons 3
Artists and Creators 3
Originality, Authorship, Authenticity 4
Appropriations 8
Attributions and Studio Practices 9
Collaborations 11
Artists and Multiple Works 12
Artists and Artisans 12
Anonymous Artists 13
The Creative Process: Inspiration and Influences 14
Self-Reflections 14
The Formative Years: Education, Family Life, and Personal Values 15
Patronage 17
Private Patronage 17
Religious Patronage 18
Royal Patronage 19
State, City, and Community Patronage 19
Today’s Patronage: Corporations, Institutions, Foundations, and Grants 20
Summary 21
Notes 21
viii Contents
2 Environment, Materials, and Other Resources 22
Environment 23
Natural Resources 23
Location 24
Climate 24
Dialogues between the Environment and Art 25
Materials, Tools, and Technology 27
Materials and Artistic Values 27
The Attributes of Materials 28
The “Purity” of Materials and Mixed Media 29
Materials as Sources for Meaning 29
“Unusual” Art Materials 31
Found Objects 32
The Body as Art Material 32
Tools and Technology 34
Other Resources: Knowledge and Information 36
Summary 37
Notes 37
3 Context 38
Cultural Context 39
Artistic Context 39
Art Organizations, Institutions, and Events 40
Culture, Science and Ideas 41
Historical, Political, and Religious Context 43
Historical Context and Current Events 43
Political Context 44
Religious Context 47
Societal Context 48
Everyday Life 49
The Mass Media 49
Moral Values 50
Social Context 51
Summary 52
Notes 52
Conclusion to Part One 53
PART TWO DISSEMINATING ART 55
4 The Dissemination of Original Art 57
Institutions 57
Contents ix
Museums 57
Collections and Foundations 67
Galleries 68
Academic-Affiliated Art Institutions 70
Beyond Institutional Walls 71
Alternative Spaces 71
Public Art 71
Propaganda Art 72
Art and Business 73
The Art Market and other Financial Matters 73
Art Patrons, Collectors, Dealers, and Sponsors 74
Artists and Business 75
Summary 76
Notes 76
5 The Dissemination of Art through Reproductions, and Other
Issues 77
Publications, Presentations, and Lectures 78
Books, Catalogues, and Periodicals (Articles, Essays, and Reviews) 78
Lectures, Courses, and Presentations 79
The Mass Media 80
Films, Documentaries, and DVDs 80
The Web 82
Art and Popular Culture 84
Copyright 86
Today’s Art World 86
The Decontextualization of Art 87
Original Context and Contemporary Times 88
“The Art World” 89
Summary 89
Notes 90
Conclusion to Part Two 90
PART THREE ANALYZING ART 91
6 Visual Resources Used to Analyze Art 93
The Work of Art 94
Form and Content 94
The Physical Condition of the Work of Art 98
Originals and Reproductions 100
The Preservation and Conservation of Art 101
Scientific Tools 103