Description: This Is America: Re-Viewing the Art of the United States is a new, inclusive introduction to American visual culture from early history to the present. Reimagining the traditional survey of American art, the book provides expanded coverage of underrepresented stories through the inclusion of marginalized makers, diverse media, and vast geographic regions. Accessible to students with no background in art history, This Is America offers links between recent works of art and the rich cultural history of each major era with succinct and illuminating analysis of key contemporary works in "Contemporary Connections" boxes. By combining close visual and historical analyses with discussion of how works of art operated within specific cultural contexts and for us today, this publication prioritizes art's critical role in social discourse.
Visit www.oup.com/he/watson-navaroli1e to access the full suite of student and instructor resources.Review Quotes: "The title of this revolutionary textbook, This Is America, communicates its mission to introduce readers to both well-known and previously overlooked artists and their works. Each chapter juxtaposes examples in different media and from varying regions of the Americas with references to relevant historical, art historical, and theoretical scholarship. By showcasing traditionally marginalized creators and their arts-and-craft practices, the book diversifies a traditionally exclusive American art canon."--Ann Millett-Gallant, University of North Carolina Greensboro
"This text is an excellent thematic approach to art of the United States in its ability to surface marginalized groups while also being critical of how these people have been treated previously by anthropology and art history. One exciting aspect of the textbook is its 'Contemporary Connections' in each chapter, which demonstrate to students how art of the past is still relevant today."--Christina F. Larson, University of Miami"This is America: Re-Viewing the Art of the United States decentralizes American art history by focusing on voices often excluded from the traditional narrative. Through their rich use of images, history, and contemporary connections, the authors have created a more inclusive approach to American history by contextualizing these stories within the traditional tale of American art."--Joshua Koenig, Worcester State University"This Is America brings artists and artworks into dynamic, unexpected conversations using themes and subjects that are highly relevant in today's world. This book will challenge students to rethink what they know about American art history. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding art as a critical reflection of American culture."--Katie Knowles, Smithsonian Institution