Another History of Art Review: Fun

Art is subjective. That’s something everyone can agree on. Art history on the other hand is a lot more complex and important to learn as a culture. Of course, just like regular history, some people love to write alternate art history. One of these people is artist Anita Kunz with her newest artbook “Another History of Art” published by Fantagraphics. 

Kunz not only takes classical artworks and makes them more humorous but she also changes the gender of the artists to female. Some examples are Sandra Botticelli and Leona Da Vinci. Some of these works were influenced by Disney (‘Blue-Grayish Boy” looks like Dopey) and other famous cartoon characters. Some are the original works with comedic touches and there are monkeys. Lots and lots of monkeys. The art itself is great. Kunz has a lot of talent with the brush.

One of the best ones is “Popeye Pieta” which has Popeye as Jesus and Olive as Mary. Yes, it’s supposed to comedic, but it has a sort of charm that elevates it to high art. “The Black Queen” and “Mickey Medici” are also some highlights. Of course, some of the humor isn’t for anyone. Kunz does overuse 21th century slang (“mansplaining”) and way too many of the works have monkeys. Not to mention there are just some cartoon characters that should not be drawn nude (Natasha from ‘Rocky and Bullwinkle” for one.) She also puts certain characters’ heads on naked human bodies (Bugs Bunny, Daisy Duck and Tweety Bird) which look off.

Some people will be put off by this and the humor may not be for everyone. ‘Another History of Art” takes a whimsical look at famous artworks with some great pieces and others not so much. The overuse of monkeys, 21^st-century slang and cartoon characters’ heads on nude human bodies are turn-offs for some, but beneath all that is a highly talented artist who you have no other choice but to admire her skill and love for art.