Thinking About Art

Explores art through themes that illuminate cultural, historical, and contemporary issues

Art connects us to the world in profound ways, revealing our history, identity, and cultural shifts. Thinking About Art: A Thematic Guide to Art History challenges traditional chronological approaches to art history, inviting readers to explore art and architecture through thematic prisms. By focusing on issues such as identity, climate change, and social inclusion, this classic textbook deepens understanding and encourages critical thought. More than 200 vibrant color illustrations and author Penny Huntsman's engaging style make art history in Thinking About Art accessible, relatable, and inspiring for students and general readers alike.

The expanded and updated second edition provides an enhanced interdisciplinary approach, as well as a broadened focus on identity and contemporary cultural contexts. Revised content on identity in portraiture and nature as artistic themes is complemented by enhanced tools to critically examine the relationships between artistic genres, materials, and contexts. Whether you're an art novice or an experienced teacher, Thinking About Art offers valuable insights into the evolving dialogue between art and society. The second edition of Thinking About Art:

• Fosters connections across disciplines such as sociology, history, philosophy, and visual culture
• Empowers readers to analyze art and relate it to their lived experiences
• Examines art history through key themes rather than chronology to offer fresh perspectives
• Explores the evolving role of the artist in society, including issues of patronage and identity
• Includes insights from artists, analysis frameworks, essential vocabulary, and a companion website with a wealth of additional resources

Designed to encourage debate and self-reflection, Thinking About Art: A Thematic Guide to Art History, Second Edition, is ideal for courses in Art History, Art and Design, Visual Culture, and Sociology. It is also a valuable resource for teachers, museum educators, and anyone curious about the intersections of art, culture, and contemporary issues.

Penny Huntsman was an A-Level Art History and Sociology teacher for 25 years, including 20 years as Head of Art History at Farlington School, followed by a highly dynamic period at Brighton and Hove Sixth Form College. Alongside teaching A-Level Art History and Sociology, Penny taught the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).  Most recently, she has worked on the visual literacy programme The Superpower of Looking alongside its originator, Alison Cole and the dedicated team at Art UK. Penny takes an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning and is committed to broadening the subject’s inclusivity.