Why Is That Art?: Aesthetics and Criticism of Contemporary Art

Why is that art? Why is it in an art museum? Who says it's art? Why is it good? Author Terry Barrett addresses these questions about contemporary art using four key sources: a broad, diverse, and engaging sampling of works, the artists who created the works, philosophers of art, and art critics. Why Is That Art? introduces students to established theories of art through the presentation of contemporary works that include abstract and representational painting, monumental sculpture, performance art, video installations, films, and photographs.

Ideal for courses in aesthetics, art theory, art criticism, and the philosophy of art, this unique book provides students with a newfound appreciation for contemporary art, scholarship, and reasoned argumentation.

FEATURES
* Explores a variety of established theories of art, including Realism, Expressionism, Cognitivism, Formalism, and Postmodernist Pluralism
* Applies each theory to contemporary works of art, discussing strengths and limitations of each mode of interpretation
* Brings abstract ideas together in an accessible way through extended examples, giving students the understanding and vocabulary to confidently enter critical dialogue about art
* Includes Questions for Further Reflection at the end of each chapter
* Includes seventy illustrations, twenty-five of which are in full color