SKU: 78470861850

Why a Painting Is Like a Pizza: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Modern Art

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Why a Painting Is Like a Pizza: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Modern ArtThe first time she made a pizza from scratch, art historian Nancy Heller made the observation that led her to write this entertaining guide to contemporary art. Comparing modern art not only to pizzas but also to traditional and children's art, Heller shows us how we can refine analytical tools we already possess to understand and enjoy even the most unfamiliar paintings and sculptures. How is a painting like a pizza? Both depend on visual balance for

The first time she made a pizza from scratch, art historian Nancy Heller made the observation that led her to write this entertaining guide to contemporary art. Comparing modern art not only to pizzas but also to traditional and children's art, Heller shows us how we can refine analytical tools we already possess to understand and enjoy even the most unfamiliar paintings and sculptures.

How is a painting like a pizza? Both depend on visual balance for much of their overall appeal and, though both can be judged by a set of established standards, pizzas and paintings must ultimately be evaluated in terms of individual taste. By using such commonsense examples and making unexpected connections, this book helps even the most skeptical viewers feel comfortable around contemporary art and see aspects of it they would otherwise miss. Heller discusses how nontraditional works of art are made--and thus how to talk about their composition and formal elements. She also considers why such art is made and what it means.

At the same time, Heller reassures those of us who have felt uncomfortable around avant-garde art that we don't have to like all--or even any--of it. Yet, if we can relax, we can use the aesthetic awareness developed in everyday life to analyze almost any painting, sculpture, or installation. Heller also gives concise answers to the eight questions she is most frequently asked about contemporary art--from how to tell when an abstract painting is right side up to which works of art belong in a museum.

This book is for anyone who agrees with art critic Clement Greenberg that All profoundly original art looks ugly at first. It's also for anyone who disagrees. It is for anyone who wants to get more out of a museum or gallery visit and would like to be able to say something more than just yes or no when asked if they like an artist's work.-- "Choice"

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 10/13/2002
ISBN: 9780691090528
Pages: 192
Weight: 1.08lbs
Size: 8.80h x 5.80w x 0.70d

Review Citations: Library Journal 02/15/2003 pg. 133
Kliatt 03/01/2003 pg. 53
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SKU: 78470861850

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Darin
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Really cool cat toy for even the most picky cat!
Color: A1-Red, Color: A1-Red
I love it, wow. Our cat is picky with toys, but even he was intrigued by it. It really kept his attention, which is hard to do. It comes with three modes: fast, slow, and interactive. The only thing is that hair can get all trapped up in it because it's a wheel, so keep your house clean I guess lol. The tail also came off once, so you gotta snuggly get it on up there. Really cool cat toy though, I'm happy I got it lol
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Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2026
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Cheryl
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 1
Not worth the money
Color: A1-Red
My small Chihuahua loved this toy. It kept him entertained until it would stop working. He only gets about 10 minutes of play and it's no longer charged to use. I even bought a second one thinking the first one might have been just bad luck, but nope, the same problem. It seems most of these interactive toys are only given 2 to 3 stars. I'm disappointed but more importantly, my pup is even more.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2026
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Robin J
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Terrific product
Color: A1-Red
I adopted a 2 year old cat - she’s not much for a lot of the toys I have purchased for her, until this one! At first she seemed very cautious with it - but still followed it around - once I slowed it down (a few different options) she loves to play with it! Great purchase very pleased with it
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Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2026
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Shayla Shepherd
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Fun & Fast moving toy for my cats!
Color: A1-Red
This is such a fun little toy to keep my cats entertained. They were definitely weary about it for the first few days, but started to get used to it and play with it after a bit. I wish there was an even slower option because the slow option is still pretty fast, but at least it gets them up and moving. They will even play with the tail part when it's not turned on. Like others have said, it does collect hair pretty easily, but it's very easy to clean off. I don't have any dogs, but I could see smaller dogs loving this as well!
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Jacqueline M. Miller
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 2
That it’s usable for more than one day
Color: A3-Pink, Color: A3-Pink
The toy itself is great and my puppy enjoyed it. My problem is that it didn’t come with a charging cord and none of mine fit. It never changed colors. Maybe if I had a charger cord it would be worth it, but right now it’s useless!!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2026

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