Art Theory: A Very Short Introduction by Freeland Cynthia

If you know next to nothing about art theory, and in fact think that words like “art” and “theory” should seldom be in the same sentence, this is a good book for you. The author’s approach is to discuss major aspects of art by focusing primarily on specific authors or works, and then secondly weaving in short introductions to theories and theorists. I found it unfortunate that philosophical treatments are scarce compared to art criticism, but that’s probably a reflection of the fact that I am a philosopher and have a preference for rigorous analysis over quasi-obscure essays. Of course by the end of the book you will still wonder whether a brillo box in a museum (or a dead shark, for that matter) really is art and why. But you will have been exposed to at least the very basics of how to answer that question meaningfully and in an informed way. (My answer: no, in both the brillo and the dead shark cases.)