Robert Hughes
Robert Hughes (1938-2012) was an Australian-born art critic, writer, and producer of television documentaries. His best-known book, 'The Shock of the New' (1980), is a widely read art history that coincided with a television series of the same name. Hughes was known for his insightful criticism and was considered one of the most influential art critics of his time. He also wrote 'The Fatal Shore' (1987), a well-regarded history of the British penal colonies and the colonization of Australia.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Shock of the New
"The Shock of the New" is an insightful exploration of modern art from the late 19th century to the present day. The book examines the cultural, social, and political forces that shaped and influenced the development of various art movements such as Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism, and Pop Art. It also provides an in-depth analysis of the works of prominent artists who played pivotal roles in these movements. The book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the complexities and nuances of modern art.
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2. The Fatal Shore
"The Fatal Shore" provides an expansive and detailed historical account of the colonization of Australia by the British Empire, focusing particularly on the transportation of convicts to the penal colonies established there in the 18th and 19th centuries. The book delves into the harsh realities and brutal conditions faced by the convicts, as well as the broader social, political, and economic ramifications of establishing a colony on the other side of the world. Through compelling narratives and meticulous research, it explores the transformation of Australia from a penal colony to a nation, examining the impact on both the indigenous populations and the settlers.
