Nothing If Not Critical

This is an amazing collection, and wholly recommended for anyone interested in Art History or Art Criticism. Hughes was one of the best, informative and entertaining with a phenomenal turn of phrase.

It is not that there are no critics, today, who have the eye and discernment such as Robert Hughes had in his lifetime, but that so little is heard from them. In a way, Hughes had little time for the business of art - certainly not for the way it was going - and consistently warned of the consequences of giving in to the art of celebrity that is ignorant of core skills or the inherent difficulty in making good art. He had a good feel for depth in works of art and scorn for anything shallow and no-one was wholly immune; late Picasso's a case in point. This volume represents a hearty read, entertaining at times and always informative; even convincing, where his objectivity and sympathy can make you look again at works you might otherwise be prejudiced against - in my case the works of Morandi whose art I will definitely look at afresh. Many of the emerging artists of the eighties do not come out well and here is where Hughes departs, in large part, from the critical mainstream, but the rest is History and Hughes is no longer around to counterbalance the weight of uncritical support for "High art Light" and the power of the auction rooms

This is a fine collection of Robert Hughes` essays on art and artists, still very pertinent today and often illuminating and instructional.Hughes was one of the finest commentators on art and one with whom I often agreed with; his sharp wit, blunt intolerance of novelty and eloquent praise or deconstruction of art was almost always a marvel to read or listen to.This presents a treasury of his writing mainly dealing with individual artists, some historically important, some underrated and some grossly overrated. Some of those he deliciously subjects to critical demolition are now regarded as big names; false gods then, false gods now – perhaps even more so; Hughes isn`t around to remind us, but this excellent book is.When he praises, he clearly explains why an artist or artwork is worthy of our attention and admiration; he doesn`t gloss over the human flaws or varnish the truth about some individuals or flatter; he is the most insightful writer on the arts I have encountered in my own lifetime and I doubt that will change.Articulate, amusing and passionate in defining good art, these essays are a pleasure to dip into, to reference and enjoy.

I mostly like Hughes’ articles but unlike his books eg in Barcelona and Rome, these are not long and thoughtful ruminations but journalistic in style and sometimes seem designed to shock!

The book was in excellent condition an the essays are insightful and written with Hughes' characteristic flair.

In a world of vacuous, inane, asinine opinions that are the ephemera of our modern digital existence, this book is a Joy. It's a book for deep thinkers. Robert wasn't afraid to expose the king's new clothes as fraudulent, to tell it how it is. He was the best art critic of the 20th/21st century in my humble opinion. Don't buy this book if you are a semi-literate cretin, you won't understand it nor like it. If you are sick of the malaise of contemporary art then it is a feast.

The big problem with 'Nothing If Not Critical' is that it highlights the paucity of intelligent art criticism currently available. This book is an absolute delight and one that should be carried around to lift the spirits and to return one's personal focus of attention onto the artworks and not the monetary value of artworks.

Nothing if not critical by Robert Hughes. Clear stimulating writing with the right touch of acidity.Gives a good overview also of 20th century art

TUTTO BENE!

Hughes is a very incisive and witty critic. Anyone interested in the Art of painting should read this.

Finally someone who can see through all the noise. His clear, extremely learned, sarcastic and humorous voice is just great to hear and read. He has little patience for the pretentious and the pompous. The best essays I have ever read on art.

Hughes is his usual contentious, obnoxious, arrogant, brilliant and wonderful self here. His views, no matter who or what he turns his mind to, are always characterized by penetrating analyses and conclusions, razor-sharp wit, written in beautiful prose, even when he is at his most vulgar. His essay here on Goya is not only incisive, it is deeply moving. He is equally good on John Singer Sargent and Edward Hopper Each of these essays, though there are thing with which to disagree, is a jewel to be treasured. Indeed, our saucy Australian friend is himself a world treasure.

A wonderful collection of TIME critic Robert Hughes' essays, very interesting and beautifully written.A must for art lovers and fans of the English language - by the way, Mr Hughes had a great sense of humour!(Don't miss "Andy Warble" and "Sir Sploshua Reynolds" ...)