Pacific art in detail
By: Jenny Newell
Series: Art in detail; Art in detail
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Cambridge, Mass
Language: eng
Number of pages: 144
ISBN-13: 9780674055780
Subjects: Art; Pacific Island Art
Description: Book Description: Pacific Art in Detail introduces the riches of Oceanic art through astonishing close-up views of rarely seen treasures, allowing behind-the-scenes insight into this vibrant work that no conventional gallery tour affords. Carefully selected pieces from the world-renowned Oceanic collection at the British Museum-by artists employing a wide variety of materials and techniques-illustrate such major themes as the role of artistic creation in land and ocean management, political and spiritual power, and connections to gods and ancestors. Jenny Newell's introduction addresses the question "What is Pacific art?" while short texts place each individual object into its cultural context. Handsome photographs of each complete work are displayed alongside these fine details, to allow for intriguing comparisons between seemingly unrelated objects and media. Evoking the hand and eye of the most accomplished Pacific artists and craft workers, past and present, these details spur the creative imagination and serve as an astute introduction to Oceanic collections in museums around the world.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: What is Pacific art? --; title: Art of the moment --; title: Sea of islands --; title: Gods and spirits --; title: Living with ancestors --; title: Art of power --; title: Art of dance --; title: Art of war --; title: Art of change.