paulataua's review against another edition
5.0
I have always appreciated David Hockney, but would never put him on my all time favorite artists list. This book of conversations between Hockney and art critic Martin Gayford in which they informally discuss aspects of art and photography is, however, just pure joy. The conversations seem so relaxed. They take an aspect of art, like ‘shadow’ or ‘photograph versus painting’ , and what follows is a gentle discussion with a few relevant art plates. Chapters are short and that makes them perfect for one chapter each night before sleeping. Loved it. Another to read over and over again.
nailavico's review against another edition
4.0
Me he ido leyendo este libro por capítulos a lo largo de varios meses, no creo que sea un libro para leerse de una sentada. Cada capítulo es muy interesante y tiene un vocabulario sencillo y asequible, acompañado de referencias visuales muy útiles. Ha sido muy interesante aprender cómo la tecnología es en realidad crucial en el arte y darme cuenta de la retroalimentación y repetición de las imágenes a través del tiempo pese las mil y una innovaciones que se puedan suceder.
ashleylm's review against another edition
1.0
Weird and boring, unfortunately--was hoping for the usual panoply of the rich history of art, this time from an interesting new perspective, but an odd bias cropped up early and it was an uncomfortable read (until I stopped). I don't care that artists once used a camera obscura, it's not the shocking twist the authors seem to think it is.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, but I grade on a curve!
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, but I grade on a curve!
vasilis's review against another edition
4.0
Brilliant book about pictures. About the way they are made, and about the way they have been seen. Very pleasantly written, full with wonderful insights.
There’s also a children’s version of this book which I recommend to anybody. It’s much more accessible. You need to be somewhat of a nerd to read this version.
There’s also a children’s version of this book which I recommend to anybody. It’s much more accessible. You need to be somewhat of a nerd to read this version.
ianbanks's review against another edition
5.0
Freaking loved this: so informative and interesting that I forgave it the sin of not announcing that there were bibliographical notes for each chapter. There's a lot of Hockney's own work featured in it but he uses his powers for good and illustrates how he used each technique in the advancement of art to create his own work. Especially interesting are the chapters on the camera obscura, which I had no idea was so widespread.