What Are You Looking At?: 150 Years of Modern Art in the Blink of an Eye

I can thoroughly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in modern art but who feels a bit in the dark when it comes to understanding how the different styles fit together chronologically and conceptually - who did what , when and why! Will Gompertz writes eloquently and can evoke the atmosphere of a painting in a few choice lines. He is never patronising, using ordinary language and explaining what the artists thought they were about as well as adding wry comments when he appears to think they were being a bit pretentious.The only fault is that the book boards warp slightly - but this is a minor cosmetic problem and I'd rather have this than pay several times the price.I would love an accompanying small book of illustrations of all the art works he mentions but does not illustrate. It is a testament to his skill that I could recognise from his descriptions some paintings that I have seen but would not have known the name of the artist. I would love to have the Kindle version to take with me when visiting galleries.This book was a present and I have now bought copies for two other friends. I think it would be suitable for anyone from teenage upwards.

I can't say that I've read a lot of art critiques but this one must rank as one of the best. I have never read a book where, on almost every page, I feel the need to stop reading and just think about what I have just read! It is written in an easy to understand, almost conversational style - but it manages to say and impart a great deal.For the "man in the street" (which includes me) this should be a compulsory read as it creates an understanding of modern art and its place in the wider context of culture and mans striving to be creative.

I enjoyed this book as it was a good overview of the history of modern art.This is a chunky book, so it not only spoke of the well known known artists but also the lesser noted ones I definitely enjoyed more reading about the artists I knew and the works of modern art which I already know.However, this was an interesting and mildly entertaining read which would be a good starter book if you are interested learning more about it modern art.I rate this book a four star read.

For anyone who subscribes to that view on modern art; "A five year old could do that" needs to read this book.From the Impressionists through to pickled sharks, an informative and entertaining read.

Will Gompertz draws on his extensive knowledge of modern art and his sense of humour in this explanation of the history of modern art. It's a lively and informative read and not at all like a reference book. It works for those who have a reasonably good knowledge of art, those who like what they see but can't explain why, or those who are simply dumbfounded by modern art.

The author has a most down-to-earth approach to interpreting modern art. He focuses on the stories of artists and more brilliantly, the connections between each artist / the period which they represent - how one influenced another, leading to the next "ism". Most incredible story-telling and most articulate interpretations - almost a novel of the art world!

The task of tracing and linking the development of modern art is made readable and amusing by the author's clear love and knowledge of his subject. Thank you Will Gompertz.

Gompertz is lucid and succinct, and always interesting. Plenty of illustrations, but best read in the company of an iPad to view the many images he writes about which aren't included in the text.

Llego en perfectas condiciones y en el tiempo indicado.

Está bien

Erfrischender Zugang, flott geschrieben.

Will Gompertz obviously loves modern art and knows what to see and how to think about it. That he has shared this with us in simple language and great coverage is our good fortune. I am glad I found and read it. These are life-enhancing works.

For those who’ve been attracted to, yet baffled by, modern art, Will Gompertz is a wonderful, enlightening, down to earth guide. Highly recommended.