Ways of Looking: How to Experience Contemporary Art

This is a great book. It refreshingly states what is is out front, "Ways of looking..." It doesn't do what most art books do: imply a solution. Ward doesn't attempt to co-opt the field and provide definitive formulas for "How to ... Art ...". He simply presents works and explains how he sees them and then justifies his claim, but he frequently reminds the reader that his is only one way of seeing the works. He no doubt favors his approach, which he presents enthusiastically and playfully, but he stops short of arrogance. Refreshing in a field filled with such dogmatic pedantry. This is a fun one to read.

Concise and easy to read without being condescending or oversimplified, this is the best introduction to looking at contemporary art I've come across in years and I'll be using it as a required text in teaching my college-level art history classes. Ward's "TABULA" method for approaching unfamiliar works of art actually works for all genres and periods (whether contemporary or not), and is helpful even for audiences who are already comfortable with looking at and talking about art. The book itself is profusely illustrated and beautifully designed throughout — and at considerably less than the cost of an adult admission to MoMA, an excellent value for the price.

Easy read. Clear. Down to earth. I teach high school art and was a fine art major in college. I know lots anout pre1990s art. This was an excelllent introduction to what makes contemporary art tick. Excellent explanation of specific artists and their work. Talks about how the art makes one feel, its place in the world, what the artist is communicating, etc. Divided into categories that help sort it all out. I highly recommend this book.

Helpful for me when looking at very contemporary artwork. Provides a useful framework for approaching challenging pieces.

Boring

KInd of predictable,

The Font size is way too small for comfortable reading.

good condition!

A bit heavy of the "shock and awe" art that the Brits seems to love/hate, but some nice ideas about looking at art. It was nice to have a real system for analyzing anything that you can look at.

Actually an interesting art book. For me a course requirement to read, have found it extremely helpful and will re read.

I apply Tabula principles to everything I do and it works!

I was impressed by selections of the art works by contemporary artists which were chosen by topics. I purchased this in order to comprehend more about how to view and experience the modern artist.

It should be compulsory reading for anyone embarking on GCSE or A Level studies in Art and Design.