neftzger's review
4.0
This is a book for fans of modern art as well as individuals who work in the arts. While other types of artists may not be as interested in some of the political specifics of fine art, these types of "in-group" and 'out group" divisions exist in nearly all industries. Very innovative individuals are often kept on the fringes while the current state of affairs attempts to maintain itself in a position of power. What's interesting about this book is how some of these outsiders put together a show that caused an upheaval in the art world. At the same time, the most inspiring aspect of the book is that now that we're 100 years from the incident that set things in motion, we see how much of an impact the show made on the industry. The book shows that it's possible to make a significant difference.
maliajackson's review
4.0
This book was so interesting. As someone who loves art but has no formal education in it whatsoever, I enjoyed learning about the various movements discussed in the book, the influence of Europe and the striving to identify what art is identifiably or quintessentially "American." I love thinking of a time when an art show could essentially be a meme. I think so many of the kneejerk reactions from 1913 are still so present among people today who are uncomfortable around art that might present a little bit of a challenge.
What FASCINATES me is that so much of what was actually at the Armory Show has been lost to history???? There was an embroiderer whose work was displayed and we just don't know what avant garde 1913 embroidery looked like??? It's tragic.
What FASCINATES me is that so much of what was actually at the Armory Show has been lost to history???? There was an embroiderer whose work was displayed and we just don't know what avant garde 1913 embroidery looked like??? It's tragic.
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