What Art Is

Danto applies philosophical tools of thought to modern art and draws useful, well reasoned conclusions. As a rule, erudite application of philosophical tools of thought to anything, is worth reading.

I love Arthur Danto! His writing is clear and so absorbing; combing philosophy with his vast knowledge of art and spicing it all up by letting his personality shine through his writing. Can anyone ask for more?

I recommend this book, but with the following assistance:I benefited from Amazon's introduction to the book: "Danto argues that despite varied approaches, a work of art is always defined by two essential criteria: meaning and embodiment, as well as one additional criterion contributed by the viewer: interpretation." That's sorta the Rosetta Stone that you need to understand and appreciate what Danto is saying. But it's isolated and stated that clearly on the Amazon page, not in the book itself.Without that clue you can miss what Danto is saying. This review would give a 5-star rating if it weren't for that significant flaw in the framework of Danto's book.Here's my summary of Danto's point: Art is an embodiment of meaning as interpreted in the mind of the viewer.Danto conveys that in the book, and supports it robustly. But he never makes it as clear as it is in art, and as clear as it could be in his words about art. He forgets to simplify and clarify. I fault the writing and editing process for that. I feel strongly that he is completely correct, and supports it strongly [altho' a bit philosophically], but the content rarely summarizes and simplifies his point. I sense that that failing is the cause of the negative reader reviews on Amazon.My hope is that this review will encourage you to read the book and apply this Rosetta Stone assist: "Art is the embodiment of meaning as interpreted in the mind of the viewer."

Everybody merely interested in art should read this book

It's interesting, but a bit tedious. Reading about art shouldn't be boring or tedious. Art is exciting! That's what makes it art. So, when someone writes about art, that excitement needs to jump off the pages.

How can ACD write so cleat about the conception of art? A jaw dropping reading. You can't stop turn the page.

A nice Hegelian conclution seemingly based on analytic philosophy. Or, a Continental conclution with an analytic method. A beauty of a book especially considering that it is his last.

Enjoyed this book. Easy to read, had many interesting analogies and provided a wonderful way to view art. Highly recommend if you would like to further your understanding of art philosophy.

Es una de las tantas dicotomías dentro del mundo del arte contemporáneo, una lectura esencial para nuestra época

O renomado crítico de arte Arthur Danto, mais uma vez, nos oferece uma leitura profunda sobre os conceitos de arte e estética. Vale muito a pena!

impeccable

Art Student son had his eyes opened by this book and others by Danto. He would recommend this book as a must read for art students.

if you like art, you will enjoy this book