David Hockney makes a convincing case for the use of optics by artists as far back as the early 15th century in this beautifully illustrated book. The instruments got better and more sophisticated enabling painting to become more and more 'realistic' or 'photographic', until in fact photography took over and artists began to see things differently through impressionism, post impressionism, cubism etc. and what we now call modern art. Are there any secrets left? Probably.
(James Baker - bwl 12 January 2002 ) |
