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Spartanburg County Public Libraries
"To enrich and empower with ideas and information"

ARt BooK s

at the Library

July 20, 2005   

 Featured topic:  Islamic Art 

  Current exhibits:  EXTRA! EXTRA!

Art Websites   

  Library catalog

New Arrivals

This is an overview of our new art books—it is not a complete list of all our new art-related materials, just a sampling.  These items will be found on the main level of the Headquarters Library.

The Artist's Mentor:  Inspiration from the World's Most Creative Minds.  Jackman, Ian.  701.15 JACKMAN
An interesting and informative collection of interviews,  quotes, and biographical writings from over 100 famous visual artists, from Frida Kahlo to Annie Leibowitz, all discussing and explaining their own creative processes and philosophies.  As the title suggests, it is an inspirational read, and sheds much light on how artists view the world, their own work, and the work of others.
First American Art:  The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection of American Indian Art. Bernstein, Bruce.  704.0397 FIRST
This book accompanies the Diker exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian, which represents a lifetime of collecting.  It includes works from nations across North America spanning more than three centuries, and highlights the skill and range of the artisans of this continent.  Intricate bead and quill work, baskets and clothing, wood, bone, and horn carvings, drawings and watercolors, masks and pottery, and much more are beautifully presented here in hundreds of large, full color photographs.
Julie Speed: Paintings, Constructions, and Works on Paper.  Speed, Julie.  709.2 SPEED
This large, lush book is a treat.  Speeds paintings merge renaissance styles with surrealist humor and metaphor to create images that are often dreamlike and otherworldly, and although the influence of such artists as Carrington and Caravaggio are at times obvious, her style and vocabulary are very much her own.  Fans will enjoy her answers to frequently asked questions, as well as the beautifully written interpretative essays included.
Photographic Atlas of the Body.  Science Photo Library.  611.0022 PHOTOGRAPHIC
This truly unique and fascinating book contains x-rays, light and electron microscopy, and other high-tech photography to zoom in on the various cells, systems, and organs of the human body.  Everything from the brain, to red blood cells, to the inner ear is covered in amazing full color imagery.  A wonderful reference book for the visual artist interested in the inner workings of human anatomy.
Raphael.  Cocke, Richard.  759.5 COCKE
This overview of Raphael's work covers his early days, his works in Florence and Rome, and many private commissions.  His famous frescos for Pope Julius II's Vatican are prominently featured, although several wonderful drawings, tapestries, and architectural drafts are included as well.  A good introduction to this Renaissance legend, with concise and accessible essays throughout, and a brief timeline of his life and works.
Terry Winters: Paintings, Drawings, Prints 1994-2004.  Schiff, Richard.  760.092 SCHIFF
This lavishly produced catalog accompanied an exhibition at the Addison Gallery of American Art in which hundreds of selections from the last decade of Winter's paintings and graphics were shown.  Winter's work of this period seems to undulate and vibrate with energy, and his exploration of mark making and patterns owes much to our current technological age. 
More new titles:

Ancient Art to Post-Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen.  
Glypotec, Ny C.  708.8913 ANCIENT

The Artist's Reality:  Philosophies of Art.  Rothko, Mark.  759.13 ROTHKO

The Art of Beadwork: Historic Inspiration, Contemporary Design.  Hector, Valerie.  745.582 HECTOR

The Art of Garden Photography.  Adams, Ian.  778.93 ADAMS

Arts Unknown:  The Life and Art of Lee Brown Coye.  Ortiz, Luis.  709.2 ORTIZ

Chris Ware.  Raeburn, Daniel K.  741.5092 RAEBURN

Color: A Course in Mastering the Art of Mixing Colors.
 Edwards, Betty.  752 EDWARDS

Dan Flavin: A Retrospective.  Govan, Michael.  709.2 GOVAN

A Garden Gallery: The Plants, Art, and Hardscape of Little and Lewis.  Little, George.  712.6 LITTLE

Inverted Utopias: Avant-Garde Art in Latin America.  Ramirez, Mari C.  700.411 RAMIREZ

Polymer Clay Mosaics.  Wells, Krista.  738.5 WELLS

Spain in the Age of Exploration 1492-1819.  Ishikawa, Chiyo.  709.46 SPAIN

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Islamic Art

Unless otherwise noted, these books are located on the upper level at the Headquarters library, in the main art section.  Biographies will be on the upper level in a separate area.  Videos and multimedia are available from the main floor, in the AV area.  Please ask if you have any trouble locating any item.

al-Andalus: the Art of Islamic Spain.  Dodds, Jerrilynn Denise.  709.46  AL-ANDALUS
While most of Europe was mired in the Dark Ages, the southern third of Spain was under Islamic rule, and benefited greatly from their advanced culture.  This book shows stunning examples of the grandeur of that Moorish civilization, which introduced running water, advanced irrigation techniques, street lights, and modern medicine to Europe.  The great Mosque of Córdoba, the intricate gardens, the beautiful silks and rugs, as well as carvings, sculptures, jewelry, and more are included.

The Arts of Persia.  Ferrier, R.W.  709.55 ARTS
This beautiful and thorough examination of the arts of the Near East covers jewelry, pottery, sculpture, painting, architecture, textiles, goldwork, coins, calligraphy, tools, and much more.  It primarily looks at Islamic art, but also includes many fascinating photographs and much information about pre-Islamic periods going back several thousands of years.

The Bazaar:  Markets and Merchants of the Islamic World.  Weiss, Walter. M.  909.097 WEISS 
This amazing pictorial work merges art, travel, and history to offer a glimpse into the day-to-day life of the people of Damascus, Istanbul, Cairo, Tunis, Dubai, Fez, Marrakesh, and others.  The focus is on the marketplaces and the skilled craftsmen who produce the glorious tiles, textiles, goldwork, pottery, glasswork, calligraphy, paintings and other wonders that are sold there.  An intimate, intriguing, and beautiful portrait.
Islam: Empire of Faith.  Gardner, Robert.  DVD/VIDEO 297 ISLAM
This PBS documentary (available on DVD or VHS), narrated by Ben Kingsley, focuses on the history and central teachings of Islam, with emphasis also on the culture, art, science, medicine, and considerable scholarly contributions of the Islamic people.  Architecture and decorative arts are heavily featured, as are textiles, and the examples shown are some of the most breathtaking in the world.  An enlightening and visually stunning examination of the Islamic people and how their culture has affected the Western and Eastern cultures bordering it.  (The DVD also features an extra tour of ancient Islamic architecture.)
Islamic Art and Architecture: From Isfahan to the Taj Mahal.  Stierlin, Henri.  709.17671 STIERLIN
The most amazing architecture in the Islamic world, from the Mongols to the Safavids, is captured here in glorious full color photographs, detailed architectural drawings, and clear, informative essays.  Multiple views both inside and out, and attention to the decorative tile work, mosaics, tapestries, paintings and other details contribute to a fuller understanding and appreciation for the amazing skill and innovation of the ancient Islamic architects and craftsmen.
The World of Allah.  Duncan, David Douglas.  909.097 DUNCAN
A wonderful, rich photo essay of the people and places of the Muslim world, from Indonesia to Egypt and from Spain to the former Soviet Union and more.  Although the primary focus is on people in their everyday lives and the dramatic landscapes of the Middle East, there are beautiful examples here of paintings, beadwork, jewelry, textiles, pottery, stained glass, and architecture as well.
Also Recommended:

The Art and Architecture of Islam 1250-1800. Blair, Sheila.  709.17671 Blair

Art of the Persian Courts:  Selections From the Art and History Trust Collection.  Soudavar, Abolala.  745.67 SOUDAVAR

The Contemporary Mosque:  Architects, Clients, and Designs Since the 1950's.  Holod, Renata, and Hassan-Uddin Khan.  726.09 HOLOD

Global History: Cultural Encounters From Antiquity to the Present, vol. 2 The Spread of Religions and Empires, 400-1400.  Del Testa, David, et al (eds.) R909 GLOBAL V.2 (this is a reference book, and may not be checked out)

Islamic Art and Architecture 650-1250.  Ettinghausen, Richard.  709.17671 ETTINGHAUSEN

Islamic Art and Patronage:  Treasures From Kuwait.  Atil, Esin (ed.)  709.17 ISLAMIC

Mecca, the Blessed, Medina, the Radiant:  the Holiest Cities of Islam.  Nomachi, Ali Kazuyoshi.  297.3 NOMACHI

Modern Islamic Art:  Development and Continuity.  Ali, Wijan.  709.17 ALI

The Splendor of Islamic Calligraphy.  Khatibi,   745.619927 KHATIBI

What Life Was Like in the Land of the Prophet:  Islamic World AD 570-1405.  Time-Life Books.  909.097 WHAT
 


Videos:
(videos and DVDs are on the main level in the AV area, unless otherwise stated.)

A Visit to a Mosque in America: Understanding Islam and the American Muslim Community Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati.  VIDEO 297 VISIT (currently at the Landrum library--it can be sent to any other library)

Islam: Empire of Faith.  Gardner, Robert.  DVD/VIDEO 297 ISLAM (available on DVD at the headquarters library, or a 2 volume VHS set at the Inman library--they can be sent to any other library) *see review above

Turkey:  The Enchanted Land of Cappadocia.  Mezzabotta, Roberto and Danio Spaccapeli.  VIDEO 915.61 TURKEY (currently at the Boiling Springs library--it can be sent to any other library)
 


Websites:

ArchNet: Islamic Architecture Community
(requires free registration)
Art & Culture of Iran

Artlex: Islam & Islamic Art
iNCiA: International Network for Contemporary Iraqi Artists
Iranian Art Foundation (contemporary art)
Isfahan
IslamicArchitecture
(and Art).org
Islamic Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Islamic Art at the Metropolitan Museum
Islamic Arts & Architecture
IslamOnline.net: Art and Culture
MuslimHeritage.com: Art & Architecture
The Nature of Islamic Art
Sala@m.com: Islamic Art
Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum, Istanbul

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A few helpful tips for finding these items

 
Locating a book:  In the Headquarters Library, most new books are on the main level in the New Book area.  Most other art books, including biographies, are on the upper level in Non-Fiction.  All videos and DVDs are in the AV area on the main level.  All branch libraries have some art books, but the largest selection is at Headquarters.  The main library also carries several art magazines, located on the main level, in the back.  If you come in and have trouble finding a book, or any other item, ask a staff member for help—that’s what we’re here for!

Don’t have a library card?  Here’s how to get one.

Putting a book on hold:  If the book or video you want has already been checked out, you can put it on hold.  We’ll put it aside for you when it’s returned, and then give you a call.  You can put it on hold yourself through the library’s online catalog, or you can call or come by and we can do it for you. 

Getting & returning books:  Don’t want to come downtown?  Contact the library branch of your choice and have them send the item you’d like to any of our other locations:  Boiling Springs, Chesnee, Cowpens, Inman, Landrum, Middle Tyger, Pacolet, Westside, or Woodruff.   You can pick it up (and return it) at any Spartanburg County Public Library!

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EXTRA!  EXTRA!

Current Exhibits and Arts Events at the Headquarters Library

(All exhibits and concerts are free.  Please call 596-3505 if you have any questions)

Vanishing Pollinators
photography by Carll Goodpasture

June 25-August 21, 2005
Spartanburg County Headquarters Library
BellSouth Exhibition Lobby

Next Program: Sunday, August 14 • 2:00 pm
Click here for more information

Ongoing:  rotating exhibit of 2D works by members of the Spartanburg Artist’s Guild, located on the main and top levels of the library.  Come in and enjoy the art of your friends and colleagues as you browse for books!

Ongoing:  Frederic Remington bronzes.  Over 20 of Remington’s works on loan from a local collector, located on the top and main levels of the library.
Film Fanatics (at Headquarters):
All movies are viewed at 7:00 pm in the Irwin Conference Room.  Follow the link above for a list of upcoming movies, or call the Audio/Visual Desk at 596-3502 for more information.

Scene Examiners (at the Westside Library):
Join us for our monthly discussions on interesting films.  Begins at 12:30--feel free to bring your lunch!  Follow the link above to see the upcoming movies, or call Westside at 574-6815 for more information.

See our
events calendar
for all upcoming library events
county-wide.

This list of art-related materials and events was put together by Melissa Earley, Reference Assistant, SCPL Headquarters Library.  It is updated approximately every other month. 
Want to talk to a fellow artist about what books, videos, and other materials the library should have?  Want to suggest an art-related event or meeting at the library, or a topic for the next art book update?  Feel free to
email me and I’ll help in any way I can!
 

  This Library provides equal opportunity for all citizens in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.  Please notify staff of any need for accommodations.

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