Imagination in Art

School Library Journal

Gr 5-7-These accessible and interesting books explore art through different themes. The main texts are broken up by shaded sections: one provides in-depth information on an artist, a school of painting, etc.; another offers suggestions for close observation of art and architecture; and the third gives ideas for projects related to the book's topic. Conflict traces the portrayal of war from glorification to horror, mentions the role of artists in creating public opinion and expressing outrage at social injustice, and includes internal conflict and sports. Imagination discusses how ideas translate into image through an examination of the spirit world (mythology and religion); dreams and nightmares; the uses of perspective and optical illusions; romantic landscapes; impressionist and abstract art; and fantasy in comics, computer games, and special effects in movies. The full-color works of art are usually well reproduced, although some have too much red. The selections are widely varied and evenly divided between the familiar and less familiar. Although heavy on Western art, an Australian Aboriginal painting, an African mask, a Chinese terra-cotta warrior, and examples of computer art are also included. A section of notes on some of the artists gives dates, nationality, and a brief description. With many schools eliminating art curriculum, these books may help teachers fill the gap, as they make art accessible and interesting.-Pam Gosner, formerly at Maplewood Memorial Library, NJ