Description
Book Synopsis
The first global survey of art in WWII, this volume features selected biographies of artists and detailed discussions of war-era art worlds in China, France, Italy, Japan, Germany, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, Spain, and the United States. Readers can compare and contrast artists' experiences of war in these different countries. They will observe the artists' wide range of responses to war, from producing art works that actively supported the war effort, to criticism of death and destruction.
Chapters begin with short synopses of the art worlds in each of these countries leading up to World War II. Following this are approximately five detailed biographies of selected artists whose works exhibited a wide range of responses to the war efforts of their nation. Their works cover a range of artistic styles, from traditional to modern, and demonstrate the blurred boundaries of art and propaganda during this period. The influence of their works on World War II and ho
Trade Review
[A]n excellent, thought-provoking art history. Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty researchers; general readers. * Choice *
[E]xplores the work of representative artists within the political and social contexts of their times….[t]he writing vividly demonstrates the impact of war on art. Additional aids to students include a brief timeline and selective bibliographies for art in each country. This survey makes a useful addition to art history collections. * Lawrence Looks At Books *
[T]he first global survey of art during the war, and gathers biographies of such artists along with discussions of war-era art trends around the world. Of particular note are discussions which allow readers to compare not only artists' experiences of war in different countries, but their different responses to their experiences, from support of war efforts to criticism. Add discussions of the influence of artists' productions on war and you have an intriguing survey which goes beyond the art world. * MBR Bookwatch *
[P]resents a survey of WWII artists from most of the regions involved in combat. * Reference & Research Book News/Art Book News Annual *
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations Acknowledgments Introduction: Art and World War II Artists in China: Between War and Civil War Artists in France: Between Collaboration and Resistance Artists in Germany: Constructing the "Thousand-Year Reich" Artists in Great Britain: Creating Art as Propaganda during "The Blitz" Artists of Italy: Shaping a Fascist Culture of Consensus Artists in Japan: Relating Tradition and Modernity to the Art of "Holy War" Artists in the Soviet Union: Defending Communist Utopia Artists in Spain: Waging a Media War Artists in the United States: Selling War and Peace in the "American Century" Conclusion: Remembering World War II Timeline Bibliography Index
