Art Appreciation
Contributors
Georgia Southern University faculty member, Cynthia Costa authored, "Art Appreciation".
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Abstract
Art Appreciation by Cynthia Costa offers an accessible and comprehensive journey through the world of visual art, exploring how creativity shapes—and is shaped by—human experience across cultures and centuries. Designed for students and general readers alike, this textbook thoughtfully introduces essential concepts, from the elements and principles of design to the rich variety of artistic media and techniques.
Costa provides clear frameworks for understanding symbolism, iconography, and the complex ethical and philosophical questions that art raises. The book situates works of art within their historical and global contexts, examining how art reflects, challenges, and transforms societies. Chapters examine pressing issues, such as the impact of globalization, digital media, social justice, and environmental sustainability on contemporary artistic practice.
Through engaging discussions, real-world case studies, and a focus on creativity and self-expression, Art Appreciation empowers readers to interpret art’s meanings, appreciate its personal and social functions, and reflect on its enduring legacy. The textbook concludes with practical guidance on careers in the art world and the importance of preservation, making it an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the role of art in shaping both individual identity and shared culture.
Publication Date
2025
Publisher
Georgia Southern University Press
City
Statesboro
Copyright
Art Appreciation (2025) is copyrighted © by Cynthia Costa (1-14901437221). The above copyright license does not extend to or include content, which was accessed and incorporated, and which is licensed under various other CC Licenses, such as ND licenses. Nor does it extend to or include any Special Permissions which were granted by the rightsholders for our use of their content. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright herein may be reproduced, transmitted, stored, or used in any form or by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, scanning, digitizing, taping, web distribution, information networks, or information storage and retrieval systems, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license . Image Disclaimer: All images and figures in this book are either public domain or carry a compatible Creative Commons license unless otherwise noted. AI Disclaimer: This book was written with the assistance of AI tools, specifically ChatGPT 4.0 by OpenAI, which provided drafting suggestions and editorial support under the author’s guidance and final oversight.
