ArtCurious

Starred review from June 22, 2020
Curator and ArtCurious podcaster Dasal reveals in this entertaining survey the weird, wacky, and unbelievable backstories of some of the world’s greatest artists and most famous works of art. Evolving out of her podcast, the book delivers on its promise to “share fascinating narratives of art, artists, and how our world has been affected by them in strange, unexpected ways.” Revealing the often scandalous side of art, Dasal describes the moxie and rule-breaking of Claude Monet (1840–1926) and the Impressionists, who turned the art world on its head simply by painting outdoors; and how the CIA employed Abstract Expressionism to covertly advance American ideals during the Cold War. She also considers whether British painter Walter Sickert (1860–1942) was actually the notorious killer Jack the Ripper; documents how illustrator Norman Rockwell created some of the most indelible images of the civil rights era (as in his 1965 painting Murder in Mississippi); examines various forgeries of the Mona Lisa; explains how artists, such as Leonardo in 1510s Milan, obtained corpses through doctors for anatomical studies; and investigates whether a German Baroness actually conceived Marcel Duchamp’s 1917 Fountain masterpiece. Both art aficionados and novices will find something to appreciate in this offbeat and informative outing.

November 1, 2020

Although museums can be very popular places, many people find art and art history boring. Luckily, the world has Dasal (Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, North Carolina Museum of Art) to show those people how wrong they can be. This book is a written account of Dasal's popular podcast of the same name. She tells stories that she labels "Unexpected," "Slightly Odd," and "Strangely Wonderful," and covers everyone from Leonardo da Vinci (an artist that almost everyone knows about) to Hilma af Klint (a much less familiar artist). In a subject that can absolutely get very dry, Dasal manages to keep things interesting, light, and fun. This book is a great primer for anyone with even the slightest interest in art history. Her chapters give just enough information to satisfy the reader while also encouraging more interest and research. It also helps that each chapter is its own self-contained story, which makes for easier reading. VERDICT Dasal takes all the best and most interesting parts of art history and puts them into a fun, easy read. This is perfect for art history beginners and experts alike.--Rebecca Kluberdanz, Central New York Lib. Resources Council, Syracuse

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