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The New York Times bestseller and one of Barack Obama's Favorite Books of 2024 "The gift book of the year, a volume that should have broad appeal and deliver many hours of pleasure to the recipient. The Work of Art is a gorgeous book.” —John Warner , The Chicago Tribune From former editor of New York magazine Adam Moss, a collection of illuminating conversations examining the very personal, rigorous, complex, and elusive work of making art What is the work of art? In this guided tour inside the artist’s head, Adam Moss traces the evolution of transcendent novels, paintings, jokes, movies, songs, and more. Weaving conversations with some of the most accomplished artists of our time together with the journal entries, napkin doodles, and sketches that were their tools, Moss breaks down the work—the tortuous paths and artistic decisions—that led to great art. From first glimmers to second thoughts, roads not taken, crises, breakthroughs, on to one triumphant finish after another. Featuring: Kara Walker, Tony Kushner, Roz Chast, Michael Cunningham, Moses Sumney, Sofia Coppola, Stephen Sondheim, Susan Meiselas, Louise Glück, Maria de Los Angeles, Nico Muhly, Thomas Bartlett, Twyla Tharp, John Derian, Barbara Kruger, David Mandel, Gregory Crewdson, Marie Howe, Gay Talese, Cheryl Pope, Samin Nosrat, Joanna Quinn & Les Mills, Wesley Morris, Amy Sillman, Andrew Jarecki, Rostam, Ira Glass, Simphiwe Ndzube, Dean Baquet & Tom Bodkin, Max Porter, Elizabeth Diller, Ian Adelman / Calvin Seibert, Tyler Hobbs, Marc Jacobs, Grady West (Dina Martina), Will Shortz, Sheila Heti, Gerald Lovell, Jody Williams & Rita Sodi, Taylor Mac & Machine Dazzle, David Simon, George Saunders, Suzan-Lori Parks Review: A trip into art - Art books are generally grandiose and pretentious. The Work of Art is one of those rare books that reveals all that goes into the making of paintings scripts sculpture whatever…it uses sketches drawing doodles scratches from a diary, interviews, photographs - all to good effect and gets to the heart of the art and the artist’s intention. Review: A how to book in art - I wish there were more well known artists in here but still it's a very thorough study on how artists create their art, their routines etc.






| Best Sellers Rank | #60,754 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #79 in Design #172 in Theory & Criticism #251 in Design & Fashion (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 416 Reviews |
G**A
A trip into art
Art books are generally grandiose and pretentious. The Work of Art is one of those rare books that reveals all that goes into the making of paintings scripts sculpture whatever…it uses sketches drawing doodles scratches from a diary, interviews, photographs - all to good effect and gets to the heart of the art and the artist’s intention.
Z**U
A how to book in art
I wish there were more well known artists in here but still it's a very thorough study on how artists create their art, their routines etc.
G**A
Good
Good quality
J**C
Insights…
Great insights into the creative process covering a diverse collection of artists of many disciplines.
J**D
Ótimo livro
Belíssima edição e leitura interessante para quem gosta de conhecer o processo criativo dos artistas
A**R
A Must Buy!
The Work of Art: How Something Comes from Nothing is an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the creative process. The author delves into the age-old question of how art and innovation emerge from seemingly nothing, offering a compelling blend of philosophical reflections, historical anecdotes, and practical insights. From the very beginning, the book captivates with its engaging writing style. The author effectively balances academic rigor with accessibility, making complex ideas understandable to a broad audience. Each chapter unfolds like a journey, guiding readers through the intricate relationship between creativity and the void from which it springs. One of the standout features of this book is its ability to connect the dots between various disciplines—art, science, and philosophy. The author presents numerous examples of renowned artists, thinkers, and innovators who have grappled with the concept of creation, illustrating how their struggles and breakthroughs resonate across different fields. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the reading experience, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the creative process. I particularly enjoyed the practical exercises and prompts sprinkled throughout the text. These encourage readers to engage with their creativity actively, whether they are artists, writers, or simply individuals looking to foster innovative thinking in their daily lives. The emphasis on the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success is a powerful takeaway that resonates beyond the realm of art. While the book is deeply philosophical, it remains grounded in reality. The author does not shy away from discussing the challenges that creators face, such as self-doubt and external criticism. This honesty makes the text relatable and inspiring, encouraging readers to push through their barriers.
A**R
Fast delivery
Purchased for my Daughter in Law for Christmas. She loves it. Speedy delivery.👍
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