Body of Art

Body of Art is the first book to explore the various ways the human body has been both an inspiration and a medium for artists over hundreds of thousands of years. Unprecedented in its scope, it examines the many different manifestations of the body in art, from Anthony Gormley and Maya Lin sculptures to eight-armed Hindu gods and ancient Greek reliefs, from feminist graphics and Warhol's empty electric chair to the blue-tinted complexion of Singer Sargent's Madame X. It is the most expansive examination of the human body in art, spanning western and non-western, ancient to contemporary, representative to abstract and conceptual. Over 200 artists are featured in chapters that explore identity, beauty, religion, absent body, sex and gender, power, body's limits, abject body and bodies & space. Its fresh, accessible and dynamic voice brings to life the thrilling diversity of both classical and contemporary art through the prism of the body. More than simply a book of representations, this is an original and thought provoking look at the human body across time, cultures and media.The first book to celebrate the beautiful and provocative ways artists have represented, scrutinized and utilized the body over centuries.Examines art through that most accessible and relatable lens: the human body.There are no directly comparable titles in the market; this is the only book to examine the subject in such depth and scope.Diverse and multi-cultural, it explores the manifestations of the body through time, cultures and media.Visually arresting, this book will surprise, inspire and inform art lovers everywhere.Over 400 artists featured: works range from 11,000 BC hand stencils in Argentine caves to videos and performances by contemporary artists such as Marina Abramovic, Joan Jonas and Bruce Nauman.Follows in the tradition of bestsellers such as The Story of Art, The Art Book, The Photography Book, and 30,000 Years of Art.Perfect gift for the holidays, a classic in the making and an indispensable reference for any home library.