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A brief survey of the music of the peoples inhabiting Mexico, Central and South America and the Antilles spanning over four and a half centuries. ... Read more

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Latin American art of the 20th century has an extraordinary vitality, and the growing public interest in it has been reflected in many recent exhibitions and publications. Written by a distinguished team of experts, each writing about his or her own country, this text provides a general survey of the whole field. It also presents a truly Latin American viewpoint. The wider public and scholars alike should welcome this fresh assessment of a many-sided phenomenon. Major artists such as Wifredo Lam, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Fernando Botera are seen in a wider context, and the exploration of the rich and important traditions of previously overlooked countries, such as Ecuador, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay and Bolivia should be relevant to many. Springing from complex cultural roots, Latin American art is fresh, varied and often startling in its originality. Its range and quality are here represented in over 300 images. Written by scholars and critics who speak with the voice of their own culture, this volume presents a challenge to the traditions of Europe and North America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

an educational tome
A massive, heavy volume, it's a good overview of Latin American art. Profusely illustrated (mostly in color), the art is in every conceivable style from traditional landscapes to avant garde installations, the earliest is from 1898, and the most recent from 1995.

There aren't too many full page illustrations, usually 2 or 3 to a page, and I suspect the colors are quite muted compared to the originals...but it makes up for this in quantity and variety. It also includes a chapter on Chicano art, as well as an extensive bibliography by country.

Each chapter is by a writer familiar with the art of the country being discussed (most of them museum directors/curators or art history professors), and though the writing style may vary, it's informative...the print however, is painfully small, limiting its use for my eyes as a reference book, rather than one I could read cover to cover.

Three pieces I love are from Mexico: The incredible Rodolfo Morales' "Juicio Final" (pg. 15), from Cuba: Mariano Rodriguez' "El Gallo Pintado" (pg.91), and from Venezuela: Hector Poleo's "Los Comisarios" (pg. 142).

Uneven Coverage By Country
This is an important book with excellent sections, but, unfortunately, since each country is covered by an "expert" the quality of the essays is uneven.The essay on Mexico gets high marks for organization, coverage and lucidity.Others are not as successful.

Magnificent illustrations
This is a handsome book filled with beautiful color illustrations of diverse works from throughout Latin America, including Puerto Rico, grouped according to country.It as a nice balance of well-written text and key works of fine art. ... Read more

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