Emerging from a background acutely aware of class and cultural inequalities, this author's work delves into the profound effects of social structures on individual lives. After a distinguished career in museums and galleries, focusing on the intersection of art and community, their approach evolved into a practical philosophy aimed at enhancing public engagement with the arts. Their subsequent explorations and advocacy champion the intrinsic value of creative expression and its role in everyday existence. Now dedicated to writing, they continue to illuminate these themes through their distinctive literary voice.
Set against the backdrop of the Renaissance, this novel delves into the life of Botticelli, exploring the emotions and thoughts behind his iconic paintings. Drawing from limited historical facts, the narrative offers an imaginative portrayal of the artist, revealing his creative process and the influences that shaped his work. Through vivid storytelling, it highlights the intersection of art and personal experience, providing insight into the mind of one of history's most celebrated painters.
Witty, illuminating, coruscating essays on art and museums from the late twentieth century to now, by one of Britain's leading curators and agitators.
A short, readable, original and compelling account of how and why societies evolved as they did over the last 35,000 years. And of the crucial, and changing, role of art and architecture in this evolution.
Julian Spalding öffnet uns die Augen für die elementaren Beweggründe, warum Menschen unterschiedlichster Kulturen schon vor Jahrtausenden Kunstwerke schufen: um die Sonne als Quelle des Lebens zu feiern, den Einklang mit den Jahreszeiten zu begehen, um dem allgegenwärtigen Tod die Würde des Menschseins entgegenzusetzen. Das Prinzip "L'art pour l'art" hingegen ist erst eine neuzeitliche Erfindung.
One of the art world's most outspoken critics explores the modern public's alienation from contemporary art and makes a powerful plea for the revival of communication, accessibility, and traditional skills in this field.