Introduction to Art: Design, Context, and Meaning

Reviewed by Johannah Silva, Associate Professor, City Colleges of Chicago on 2/15/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

There is a table of contents and chapters that progress from "What is Art?" in Chapter 1 to theme-based chapters such as "Art and Identity", "Art and Power", etc. At the end of each chapter, there are also some questions that could help summarize the chapter readings and could serve as quiz questions. Key terms follow these chapter summary questions. One thing that perhaps could be added as far as overall content is a timeline of the history of art from ancient cave paintings to contemporary art. I appreciate though that each chapter seems to provide examples of art from different cultures/time periods/styles/media, etc.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Content is accurate and I like that art examples seem to be chosen with an eye to making sure art from different cultures are represented.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The themes towards the last few chapters of the book are broad enough that others could add artworks to discuss here and update with more contemporary examples.

Clarity rating: 5

The structure of the book is clear and progresses sequentially. Terminology is explained and key terms are defined at the end of each chapter.

Consistency rating: 5

The structure of each chapter is consistent, with the summative questions and key terms helping to encapsulate each chapter's readings.

Modularity rating: 5

Chapter 2 seems to me could be divided into different media (2D, 3D, 4D) and elements of art/principles of design. This Chapter would likely be covered in a few class sessions if I were to use this text.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The sequence of chapters from What is Art to the structure of art/meaning of materials to visual literacy/analysis to themes in art makes sense to me. It might be helpful to have a broad survey/timeline of art from ancient times to contemporary art somewhere, but I like how art from various time periods are addressed within the theme-based chapters in the end of the book.

Interface rating: 5

The text is easy to navigate. Visual images are clear and identified and interspersed well with the text.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical error that I saw.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Examples from various cultures/time periods/styles are used as examples in each chapter.

Comments

None at this time.

Reviewed by Bianca Rawlings, Adjunct, Tidewater Community College on 11/2/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

A well composed resource that covers art and context, primarily focusing on European examples.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I did not notice a lack of accuracy, although it could be argued that there could be a more thorough examination of other cultures.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Certainly relevant in terms of using art as a tool and relevant to introductory students.

Clarity rating: 5

Quite accessible.

Consistency rating: 5

The subject matter and terminology are consistent throughout.

Modularity rating: 5

Very useful for modularity and easy to assign specific chapters.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The organization makes sense.

Interface rating: 5

The interface is straight forward; not unlike any regular textbook.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors that I noticed.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

As other reviewers have said, more on non-European art and culture is definitely needed here.

Comments

A good resource for introductory students to supplement lectures about art and context. A useful tool for social art history, other than the lack of more non-European art.