Art All Around Us

For centuries, craftspeople have endeavored to fill the world with helpful objects-from tea sets to horse saddles to mailboxes. The objects are useful, but craftspeople also took pride in making the objects pleasing to look at. This concept has remained relevant since the Industrial Revolution changed how products were created. Now, industrial design is a field of manufacturing that aims to mass-produce useful and aesthetically pleasing products that cater to a positive user experience. Vibrant photographs help bring this topic to life.

Hip-hop and rap are forms of music that rose quickly to popularity. Inspired by previous forms of music, such as jazz, soul, and funk, hip-hop was invented at block parties in New York City in the early 1970s. Often combined with rapping and breakdancing, hip-hop has always been a dynamic, energetic artform. Today, hip-hop is one of the most popular forms of music around the world, and has had a lasting influence on other modern forms of music. Photographs and primary sources are sure to wow readers and help them make the most of their reading experience.

For centuries, amateur artists of all kinds have brought their talents to the streets. Musicians can be found busking on sunny corners in cities all over the world. Other street artists include actors, poets, acrobats, and more. While not exactly a street performance, slam poetry captures the same sense of freedom and personal creativity of the street art scene, often with words that can be both deeply personal and relatable. Amazing photographs of street performances and slam poets are a perfect pair for the accessible text.

As far back as ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, the way people dress has long been a reflection of cultural beliefs, social status, and individual creativity. Some fashion trends of the past come back in innovative ways. The rise of "haute couture" in the 1600s resulted in a growing interest in creative clothing design. Today, fashion designers display their works of art using models and fashion shows. Fascinating primary sources and dazzling color photographs will help readers make the most of this reading experience.

At one time, graffiti artists were considered criminals, and even today the act can get one in trouble with the law. However, this is not to say graffiti isn't art! Many graffiti artists make a living with their art, and there are even artists whose names are known around the world. Inside this guide, readers will explore graffiti as a legitimate artform, and see how urban art installations have changed the way people think about art. Photographs of graffiti though the ages are sure to intrigue young readers and artists alike.