History of Art

The historical importance and cultural legacy of religious icons, distinguished by superb colour reproductions of examples from different Christian traditions.

100 decorative, stylised designs inspired by the beautiful linear patterns and images of the Art Deco movement.

Giacometti: Critical Essays brings together new studies by an international team of scholars who together explore the whole span of Alberto Giacometti's work and career from the 1920s to the 1960s. During this complex period in France's intellectual history, Giacometti's work und...erwent a series of remarkable stylistic shifts while he forged close affiliations with an equally remarkable set of contemporary writers and thinkers. This book throws new light on under-researched aspects of his output and approach, including his relationship to his own studio, his work in the decorative arts, his tomb sculptures and his use of the pedestal. It also focuses on crucial ways his work was received and articulated by contemporary and later writers, including Michel Leiris, Francis Ponge, Isaku Yanaihara and Tahar Ben Jelloun. This book thus engages with energising tensions and debates that informed Giacometti's work, including his association with both surrealism and existentialism, his production of both 'high' art and decorative objects, and his concern with both formal issues, such as scale and material, and with the expression of philosophical and poetic ideas. This multifaceted collection of essays confirms Giacometti's status as one of the most fascinating artists of the twentieth century.
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"This landmark book on New Zealand artists and their work was first published in 1971, then extended to 1990 by art historian Michael Dunn and now again to 2010 by art historian, writer and lecturer Edward Hanfling. The original text by Gil Docking, former director of the Aucklan...d City Art Gallery, covers the period from European discovery up until 1969, and is presented in its completely original form, making for a fascinating look at what was being thought and written about New Zealand paintings thirty-something years ago. Michael Dunn's narrative takes over to complete the picture through the 1970s and 1980s, and then Edward Hanfling looks at New Zealand painting and its evolution over the last twenty years, when many painters saw their medium as a vehicle for addressing issues or generating a range of meanings, rather than dealing with visual or formal concerns. In total, this new edition features more than 200 paintings. This book is an ideal introduction to the development of New Zealand painting from its very beginning, and also the development of critical thinking about the work of New Zealand artists over the last 40 years. Detailed bibliography and index makes this an ideal book for students." --Ubsbooks.co.nz.
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Designing a captivating creature simply for it to exist against a white background and going no further is a purely academic exercise. Designing a creature that can survive in a world, interact with its own and other species, and go on to make an impact, is designing with intent ...the end goal of creature design and what you'll witness in this latest book from industry veteran Terryl Whitlach. With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, developing creatures for Star Wars: Episode 1 The Phantom Menace and Beowulf, among other projects, she offers valuable advice on how to develop otherworldly beings that are not just stunning in appearance, but also possess qualities that will endear viewers to them, or repulse, if that's the intent. For Whitlatch, there's no limit to what can be imagined with an open mind, though the journey may not always be an easy one. It's what she calls chasing the unicorn. We will surely enjoy joining her on her journey, filled with creatures that are so vivid, whimsical, and elaborate that we will wish or wonder if they are real.
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