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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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E. Leon
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 3
Difficult assembly, doesn’t fold well, looks good fully open
Color: Grey, Size: B-88''W-4 Panel
The instructions for this divider are very inadequate. After having to redo parts of the assembly, I have finally assembled it. The divider itself seems very nice when it is fully open, however it is not possible to fold it well as all the bars with the wheels go in various directions making it impossible to fold it neatly. And it has a large footprint. It is possible that I did not assemble it fully well because of the lack of adequate instructions. I am not even sure if I will keep it because I need to fold out of the way when nothing in use.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2026
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K.L
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 4
Slightly challenging build
Color: Beige, Size: A-88''W-4 Panel
This was my second screen set I've purchased, first of this style. Not the easiest to assemble. Lots of pulling and tugging; not a highlight in my day.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2026
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LBZ
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Commercial grade divider suitable for many needs
Color: Beige, Size: A-132''W-6 Panel
This item will be used at a future event where we need to separate a single locker room into two large areas, without any construction. This divider is perfect for the job because the partitions can be 1 to 6 panels and it will roll into place. When the event is over, the divider will fold/roll away and the locker room will return to its original design. The unit is very heavy, which will ensure that it is sturdy and stable. All the components arrived, wrapped in plastic to prevent damage. The screen material is a woven polyester in a cream color that will occlude any visibility but it may be possible to see shadows on the opposite side. The height is about 6ft, which would require a very tall person to "peep over" the divider. I needed a quality unit for this project and the frame, screens, and mobility will meet the needs. The divider is not the same as the small decorative dividers -- it is more of a commercial grade product, yet tasteful. If you want/need a small divider as an accent piece, this is not the best choice. This item could be used in a medical office, treatment/massage room, to divide an office room into two, or block a hallway in a building.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2025
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Mr. Ruiz
Alexandria, US
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Flimsy
Color: Grey, Size: B-88''W-4 Panel
Would not recommend
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Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2026
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Karen A.
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Great option for a professional looking backdrop
Color: Black, Size: B-102''-3 Panel
I decided to try these wall dividers for my home office space since it does not have a door. I wanted to have my video calls without the rest of the room in the feed to give it a more professional feel. These being on castors make them super easy to move into position and roll off to the side when not in use. They are stable, much more than the folding screens I have tried in the past. That they are connected by the middle piece and not the top/bottom of each other allows you to adjust the positioning to your needs. Overall, this did exactly what I needed and was an affordable option. I also like that they are highly portable: if you want to take them for a booth or event, the poles all disassemble into manageable lengths that easily fit in a car and take very little time to set up again. The only thing I would change is to include a bag to store them in for transportation.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2025

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