Title
Pictures of Nothing: Abstract Art since Pollock (The A. W. Mellon Lectures in the Fine Arts, 48),New
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
An illuminating exploration of the meaning of abstract art by acclaimed art historian Kirk Varnedoe'What is abstract art good for? What's the usefor us as individuals, or for any societyof pictures of nothing, of paintings and sculptures or prints or drawings that do not seem to show anything except themselves?' In this invigorating account of abstract art since Jackson Pollock, eminent art historian Kirk Varnedoe, the former chief curator of painting and sculpture at the Museum of Modern Art, asks these and other questions as he frankly confronts the uncertainties we may have about the nonrepresentational art produced in the past five decades. He makes a compelling argument for its history and value, much as E. H. Gombrich tackled representation fifty years ago in Art and Illusion, another landmark A. W. Mellon Lectures volume. Realizing that these lectures might be his final work, Varnedoe conceived of them as a statement of his faith in modern art and as the culminating example of his lucidly pragmatic and philosophical approach to art history. He delivered the lectures, edited and reproduced here with their illustrations, to overflowing crowds at the National Gallery of Art in Washington in the spring of 2003, just months before his death.With brilliance, passion, and humor, Varnedoe addresses the skeptical attitudes and misunderstandings that we often bring to our experience of abstract art. Resisting grand generalizations, he makes a deliberate and scholarly case for abstractionshowing us that more than just pure looking is necessary to understand the selfmade symbolic language of abstract art. Proceeding decade by decade, he brings alive the history and biography that inform the art while also challenging the received wisdom about distinctions between abstraction and representation, modernism and postmodernism, and minimalism and pop. The result is a fascinating and ultimately moving tour through a half century of abstract art, concluding with an unforgettable description of one of Varnedoe's favorite works.
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Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Pictures of Nothing'? A: The main theme of 'Pictures of Nothing' is the exploration of the meaning and value of abstract art, particularly since the era of Jackson Pollock.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Pictures of Nothing' is Kirk Varnedoe, an acclaimed art historian and former chief curator of painting and sculpture at the Museum of Modern Art.
- Q: What can I expect from the writing style of the book? A: Kirk Varnedoe's writing style in 'Pictures of Nothing' is characterized by brilliance, passion, and humor, making complex ideas about abstract art accessible and engaging.
- Q: How many pages does 'Pictures of Nothing' have? A: The book consists of 320 pages.
- Q: When was 'Pictures of Nothing' published? A: The book was published on October 29, 2006.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition of 'Pictures of Nothing' is a hardcover book.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in art appreciation? A: Yes, 'Pictures of Nothing' is suitable for beginners as it breaks down complex concepts and addresses common misconceptions about abstract art.
- Q: Does the book include illustrations? A: Yes, the book includes illustrations that complement the discussions and analyses presented by the author.
- Q: What category does this book fall under? A: The book falls under the category of 'Criticism'.
- Q: Is this book a first edition? A: Yes, this copy of 'Pictures of Nothing' is a first edition.