Thank you for visiting.
This content is exclusive to subscribers only.
As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
Log In
Don't have a Horn Book Account?
Register Now
Register Now
Vry, Silke
4 Reviews
(4)
4-6
Young readers learn to differentiate seeing and perceiving. Each oversize spread introduces an illusionary technique, then provides an exemplary work (from Escher and Magritte paintings to installation and performance art) and a related activity to foster contemplation. The reproductions unfortunately lack identifying captions, though they are listed at book's end. A unique, if overly cerebral ("How real is reality?"), art appreciation volume.
Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen
(3)
4-6
This latest volume in the attractive art appreciation series focuses on the ways that "art is deception." Organized by type of illusion--including concealed messages, surrealism, hyperrealism (tromp l'oeil), contrast and color tricks, and spatial illusions in architecture--this large-format book contains thorough text, leading questions, sidebars, and captioned reproductions of works from throughout history that exemplify the intriguing concepts. Timeline. Glos.
Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen
(4)
4-6
This book introduces color theory using facts, trivia, experiments, and interactive activities that often relate to significant paintings; there is no information about the artists. Vry discusses color's significance in art and science as well as its cultural effect. Topics such as the color wheel, mixing colors, and atmospheric perspective are briefly covered.
Reviewer: Lauren Kim
(3)
4-6
This book explores many examples of painterly optical illusion, from Magritte's The Treachery of Images and Escher's Waterfall to Chuck Close's pixelated portraits. Unusual perspectives, designs that appear to move, and mysterious portraits-within-portraits illustrate painters' special effects. Interspersed "eye test" puzzles draw attention to visual tricks and deceptions. Notes, puzzle solutions, and projects to be cut out or photocopied are appended.
Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo
4 reviews
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.