Have you ever found yourself viewing a world-renowned painting and thought to yourself, “What is all the fuss about?” Or perhaps you appreciate works of art but can’t help but wonder “What does this have to do with my life?” In Why We Look at Art, What Happens When We Do, author and art historian Sherrye Cohn takes us gently by the hand, accompanying us on a journey through a pictorial museum of some of the world’s most famous paintings. Throughout the tour, she shows us how to view the paintings in such a way that makes them relevant to our own experience.
The book begins with portraits. From the mysterious Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci to the tender self-portrait by Rembrandt, to Frida Kahlo’s bold “Self-portrait with Monkey,” Cohn explains why people have been so fascinated by portraiture throughout the ages. She writes, “They elicit a silent communion with someone we will never meet which carries us beyond the narrowness of our own lives.” The next chapter is devoted to landscapes, with works by Van Gogh, Hopper and Dali, to name a few. Following landscapes is “still life”, then “the female nude” and finally “abstraction.” Cohn has chosen her selections carefully and mixes world famous masterpieces with lesser known works.
Throughout Why We Look at Art, What Happens When We Do Cohn urges us to forget about historical knowledge and go with our gut instincts when viewing works of art. Always patient and never condescending, Cohn is the perfect teacher for anyone who wishes to learn more about art appreciation. She focuses on the importance of the viewer’s eye, whether novice or expert, as she writes, “Our own response is the beginning and the enduring basis of art’s appreciation.”
The author’s web site is: http://www.whywelookatart.com
For further information contact: Ray Robinson at 317-228-3656, via email at [email protected], or through the website at: www.dogearpublishing.net
Why We Look at Art, What Happens When We Do
Sherrye Cohn
Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN: 978-159858-709-8
128 pages
Available at Ingram, Baker&Taylor, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble, Borders and fine bookstores everywhere
