In today&s art world many strange even shocking things qualify as art In this Very Short Introduction Cynthia Freeland explains why innovation & controversy are valued in the arts weaving together philosophy & art theory with many fascinating examples She discusses blood beauty culture money museums sex & politics clarifying contemporary & historical accounts of the nature function & interpretation of the arts Freeland also propels us into the future by surveying cutting-edge web sites alongside the latest research on the brain&s role in perceiving art This clear provocative book engages with the big debates surrounding our responses to art & is an invaluable introduction to anyone interested in thinking about art ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas & enthusiasm to make interesting & challenging topics highly readable