A Student Review to Doss' 20th-Century American Art

          Twentieth- Century American Art by Erika Doss is a great book for those who appreciate studying / learning about America's cultural and aesthetic legacy of the last century, some of which being the foundations and struggle of American Modern Art contending with Europe, the often overlooked and significant "Outsider Art," "Junk/Funk Art," The Feminist and Body Art Movements during and post Civil Rights Movement Era, the transition from Alain Locke's "New Negro" Art Movement to activist orientated / conceptual art as well as Pop Art's rapture of consumerism in Post War America. 
          This book effectively breaks down the periods of American Art within the last century, focusing on the development of different styles, their influences, their fore-runners, but also the cultural and historical context between the art and sociopolitical affairs during their time. Essentially, everything is linked; this book identifies the connections between art and culture, economy, politics, nationalism, etc. Erika Doss exceptionally correlates style to society, artists to activism, mediums to media, and does so with a wide range of subject matter. 
          Twentieth Century American Art is also satisfying because of the artists that are listed and discussed as influences to famous artists and not just the famous artists themselves; it is important to remember how art is influenced by more sources than just famous predecessors of the art world, and this book expresses that. It is also vital to appreciate the inclusion of female, LGBT, and ethnically diverse artists in American Art, and to remember that many art movements tended to initially be male dominated and ignored these individuals. Doss includes blurbs throughout the book and specific chapters which unravel and analyze the work of many artists that were originally excluded from early to mid 20th century American "art scenes," as well as their creative quest for recognition which climaxed during the cultural wars of the 1980's. 
          Plenty of inspiring artworks, artists, historical information and cultural summaries are touched upon within this book. And don't be afraid to grab a dictionary to go with this book as well, and take your time, I know I did! Doss applies a riveting vocabulary to her historical art descriptions and discussions, words that paint a vivid picture themselves, words that can be gratifyingly understood with a quick look at a handy dictionary if need be. Enjoy!

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Titus