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Description
Why a Painting Is Like a Pizza: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Modern ArtThe first time she made a pizza from scratch, art historian Nancy Heller made the observation that led her to write this entertaining guide to contemporary art. Comparing modern art not only to pizzas but also to traditional and children's art, Heller shows us how we can refine analytical tools we already possess to understand and enjoy even the most unfamiliar paintings and sculptures. How is a painting like a pizza? Both depend on visual balance for
The first time she made a pizza from scratch, art historian Nancy Heller made the observation that led her to write this entertaining guide to contemporary art. Comparing modern art not only to pizzas but also to traditional and children's art, Heller shows us how we can refine analytical tools we already possess to understand and enjoy even the most unfamiliar paintings and sculptures.
How is a painting like a pizza? Both depend on visual balance for much of their overall appeal and, though both can be judged by a set of established standards, pizzas and paintings must ultimately be evaluated in terms of individual taste. By using such commonsense examples and making unexpected connections, this book helps even the most skeptical viewers feel comfortable around contemporary art and see aspects of it they would otherwise miss. Heller discusses how nontraditional works of art are made--and thus how to talk about their composition and formal elements. She also considers why such art is made and what it means. At the same time, Heller reassures those of us who have felt uncomfortable around avant-garde art that we don't have to like all--or even any--of it. Yet, if we can relax, we can use the aesthetic awareness developed in everyday life to analyze almost any painting, sculpture, or installation. Heller also gives concise answers to the eight questions she is most frequently asked about contemporary art--from how to tell when an abstract painting is right side up to which works of art belong in a museum. This book is for anyone who agrees with art critic Clement Greenberg that All profoundly original art looks ugly at first. It's also for anyone who disagrees. It is for anyone who wants to get more out of a museum or gallery visit and would like to be able to say something more than just yes or no when asked if they like an artist's work.-- "Choice"Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 10/13/2002
ISBN: 9780691090528
Pages: 192
Weight: 1.08lbs
Size: 8.80h x 5.80w x 0.70d
Review Citations: Library Journal 02/15/2003 pg. 133
Kliatt 03/01/2003 pg. 53
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★★★★★ 4
Wobbly but Usable
Color: Grey, Size: Standard - 4 Panel
A bit wobbly, but good enough for the price when you need a solid background for remote work calls.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Nice and easy to assemble
Color: Black, Size: Standard - 4 Panel
I absolutely love this 4-panel room divider! It was super easy to assemble — I had it set up in just a few minutes. The material isn’t too see-through, which gives just the right amount of privacy while still letting some light through. It does exactly what I needed it to do and looks so clean and sleek in my space. Perfect balance of style and function — highly recommend!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2025
★★★★★ 5
A quick private space
Color: Black, Size: Standard - 4 Panel
Went together easily, just the right height and width for just a bit of privacy.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Pretty good, especially for this price point.
Color: Beige, Size: 21.5"- 1 Panel
This is merely a piece of cloth stretched between the frame borders, but it works perfectly. It arrived quickly, all parts present and in good condition. I didn't put the castors on, as it will be more or less always in one position. I simply attached some felt sliders on the bottom to prevent scratching the floor and to allow clearance for the center screw (which is not flush fit). Overall, a reasonable deal for the price point.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Easy to manage
Color: Black, Size: 88"- 4 Panel
Sturdy, easy to manage and roll around. The material for the walls is of a decent ply as well
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026