The Art of Shapes: For Children and Adults

A unique and engaging board book which teaches children their shapes via pieces of contemporary art (with one exception) by acclaimed artists, with short accompanying text that describes each artwork for the adult reader. For example, an elegant painting by Ellsworth Kelly represents the shape of square. A square is extracted from the artwork and placed on the right along with the word "square." A few sentences are given for the adult reader that describes Kelly's motivation for this and other artworks.

Twelve shapes and artworks are featured, as listed below. They represent pieces by the masters of contemporary art to emerging leaders; women and men; people of many ethnic backgrounds.

Square - a powerful painting by Ellsworth Kelly
Circle - an intriguing work by Jeff Koons
Star - a fascinating mixed media work by Vito Acconci
Rectangle - a moving painting by Jacob Lawrence
Triangle - a stunning photograph by Barbara Kasten
Diamond - an intriguing installation by Jenny Holzer
Heart - a lovely painting by Jim Dine
Oval - a beautiful work by Henri Matisse
Cone - a fantastic sculpture by Claes Oldenburg
Octagon - an engaging collage by Robert Rauschenberg
Cylinder - a compelling work by Eva Hesse
Spiral - an engaging neon sculpture by Bruce Nauman