ISBN But Is It Art? ( An Introduction to Art Theory ) 262 pages English

In today's art world many strange even shocking things qualify as art. In this book Cynthia Freeland explains why innovation and controversy are valued in the arts weaving together philosophy and art theory with many fascinating examples. She discusses blood beauty culture money museums sex and politics clarifying contemporary and historical accounts of the nature function and interpretation of the arts. Freeland also propels us into the future by surveying cutting-edge web sites along with the latest research on the brain's role in perceiving art. This clear provocative book engages with the big debates surrounding our responses to art and is an invaluable introduction to anyone interested in thinking about art.