Review
"I highly recommend Michael Findlay's new book, Seeing Slowly: Looking at Modern Art, published in September by Prestel. A longtime director at New York's Acquavella Galleries and, before that, the longtime head of Christie's department of Impressionist and modern art, Findlay is a veteran of the most specialized art speak and practical matters of history, condition, provenance - the works. Nevertheless, he believes that an appreciation of great art does not depend on knowledge of context and, in some cases, can actually be hindered by it." - Sarah Douglas, Editor-in-Chief, ArtNews
Michael Findlay's Seeing Slowly: Looking at Modern Art is a fresh and lively new book on the subject that offers a short but penetrating analysis of the problem as well as a practical guide to the steps a visitor to a museum or gallery can take to see with greater understanding and pleasure. -The Wall Street Journal
A book that explains the best techniques for art viewing--and this modern art-focused option is one of the most informative we've found. -Domino
Seeing Slowly is an engaging, accessible work, and while it can be enjoyed by anyone, readers who shy away from modern art or feel intimidated by it have the most to gain. -Michael Abatemarco, Pasatiempo
Product Description
When it comes to viewing art, living in the information age is not necessarily a benefit. So argues Michael Findlay in this book that encourages a new way of looking at art. Much of this thinking involves stripping away what we have been taught and instead trusting our own instincts, opinions, and reactions. Including reproductions of works by Mark Rothko, Paul Klee, Joan Miro , Jacob Lawrence, and other modern and contemporary masters, this book takes readers on a journey through modern art. Chapters such as "What Is a Work of Art?" "Can We Look and See at the Same Time?" and "Real Connoisseurs Are Not Snobs", not only give readers the confidence to form their own opinions, but also encourages them to make connections that spark curiosity, intellect, and imagination. "The most important thing for us to grasp," writes Findlay, "is that the essence of a great work of art is inert until it is seen. Our engagement with the work of art liberates its essence." After reading this book, even the most intimidated art viewer will enter a museum or gallery feeling more confident and leave it feeling enriched and inspired.
From the Back Cover
When it comes to viewing art, living in the information age is not necessarily a benefit. So argues Michael Findlay in this book that encourages a new way of looking at art. Much of this thinking involves stripping away what we have been taught and instead trusting our own instincts, opinions, and reactions. Including reproductions of works by Mark Rothko, Paul Klee, Joan Miro , Jacob Lawrence, and other modern and contemporary masters, this book takes readers on a journey through modern art. Chapters such as "What Is a Work of Art?" "Can We Look and See at the Same Time?" and "Real Connoisseurs Are Not Snobs", not only give readers the confidence to form their own opinions, but also encourages them to make connections that spark curiosity, intellect, and imagination. "The most important thing for us to grasp," writes Findlay, "is that the essence of a great work of art is inert until it is seen. Our engagement with the work of art liberates its essence." After reading this book, even the most intimidated art viewer will enter a museum or gallery feeling more confident and leave it feeling enriched and inspired.
About the Author
MICHAEL FINDLAY is Director of Acquavella Galleries in New York City and the author of The Value of Art (Prestel).
