Art Explained – 100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Book Review

Introduction

Susie Hodge is an art historian from England. She is the author of over 100 books that seek to make art more accessible to viewers. Her approach encompasses understanding art through history, exploration, and even participation (as in her books about learning to draw). In her latest offering, Art: Explained – 100 Masterpieces and What They Mean, she takes readers on a journey through time and space as she examines art and its intrinsic link to the human experience. 

In the introduction to this new art book, she writes,

Structure

The interaction between creator, work of art, and viewer enables the artist to send a direct message to everyone viewing his or her work. These messages come to us through space and time, straight from the source! The connection is a unique and deeply personal one, almost magical. Artists are always saying something through their work, even in cases where the art was commissioned. This book aims to demystify and illuminate these messages and bring them to every reader.

With this focus in mind, the author selected 100 works of art, arranged them in a chronological order, and devoted a spread to each. The individual spreads showcase a full picture of the work with its corresponding caption, a subtitle highlighting the work’s purpose or message, and a brief essay. These essays explore the context behind the creation of each work, provide interesting facts to better appreciate the artist’s intent and put the work in context through the long tapestry of human history.

Organization

The choice to not separate the artworks by historical period is an interesting—but effective—one. Because of it, rather than giving the impression of a scholarly work, the book seems to be reaching people from all walks of life. The message is clear: art is for everyone because art is life. The story of art is the story of people. So, if you are interested in people, then art is for you! The succession of artwork after artwork, without a break, emphasizes this continuity within history and the people living it.

The primary audience for the book are readers who are interested in art, but may not know where to begin. However, more experienced learners may also find things to enjoy in the gems of knowledge sprinkled throughout the essays. But, beyond that, it is the “dialogue” between artists, the author, and thoughtful readers that forms the main treasure in this book. As readers reflect on the selections and commentary, they participate fully in the creative process. It is this communication that, ultimately, is the aim of all art.

Afterwards

Susie Hodge invites the reader on a journey. And, any good journey makes us step outside ourselves, examine ourselves, and come back different. Changed.

In the introduction, Susie Hodge shared a few quotes about what artists’ believed their purpose was for creating. Among the quotes she shared was one from Vincent Van Gogh, who said, “I want to touch people with my art.” Rodin said, “The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.” Georgia O’Keeffe put the creative impulse like this: “I made you take time to look at what I saw.” And, after we looked – what is next?

Well…

After we looked, we are fully in on the conversation. And, as good conversationalists, the next step is to keep the talk going.