Book Description
The art of the present century has created much controversy in terms of the development of new materials and techniques, styles of painting and the achievements, from the 1900s to the present day. It provides an invaluable insight into its subject, so enabling its readers to gain a greater understanding and so form a deeper appreciation of the artistic achievements of the twentieth century. The book is divided into four main sections. The introduction to each of these provides a clear account not only of the background, but also the background to the era and general information against which painting developments should be reviewed. The text describes and illustrates the main techniques employed, developed or invented by the various artists of that time. Any technological innovations in materials and equipment are singled out, so that the reader can immediately relate these to developments in the artistic practice. The core of the book is the detailed analysis of key paintings from each period, featuring works by artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Pollock, Hockney, Kandinsky and Rauschenberg. Each of these is supported not just by the technical analysis, but also by a background essay on the artist, explaining why the example chosen is seminal to an understanding of his work and how it influenced others. -- from dust jacket.
