Borrowing his concept from Hegel, respected critic Arthur C. Danto observes that unlike the centuries of art made for spiritual needs, the art of our time has generally lost the power to communicate on its own and must be explained, because we have only an external relationship with it. Danto sympathetically assesses Damien Hirst (sliced-up sharks suspended in formaldehyde) and ... Read moreeloquently explains why some initially impenetrable art might have compelling statements to make, but he doesn't spare artists he feels are not pulling their weight... among the most sensible, intelligent, logical, and accessible art criticism of the last five years. Kirkus Danto uses his revered position to illuminate his subjects' cultural and art-historical contexts in order to give the public helpful tools for thinking about the art they are experiencing... This enlightened collection of essays is an essential documentation of recent art history, brimming with valuable reminders of how art has gotten where it is today. RES magazine His musings on art in the wake of 9/11 are incisive and moving. Booklist A welcome respite for insiders and a friendly introduction to aesthetics. Publishers Weekly One of our pre-eminent art critics... [Unnatural Wonders] serves as a good introduction to his work, as well as a good introduction to contemporary art.
Kenny Tanemure Asian Week To look at a work with Danto is to see it within the context of contemporary art.
Barry Gewen New York Times Book Review [A] brilliant, provocative collection of essays.
Jackie Wullschlager Financial Times Magazine A valuable collection of art criticism. The Art Book Show Less