CULTURED DONUTS

An art history primer with a sweet conceit.

In an artist’s note, Tyler introduces her endeavor to emulate the style of 16 artists in depictions of donuts. “Why donuts?” she writes, asking the question that may cross many readers’ minds. She then matter-of-factly explains her project’s inspiration: “I have a sweet tooth that is impossible to satisfy and donuts are often on my mind.” Ensuing pages devote one spread to each artist, with versos typically offering a brief biography, an example of the artist’s work, and a point of interest about the artist under the heading “Delicious Details.” (There are a few artists without a representative piece of art reprinted, likely due to copyright concerns.) The biographical statements are succinct and informative, typically including commentary on the artist’s media and movement. Tyler’s donuts on the facing pages evidence her careful study of the artists’ styles, and terrific backmatter distills descriptions of techniques to inspire readers to attempt imitating their styles, as well. The fly in the ointment of this ambitious, well-executed book is the lack of diversity in the 16 featured artists. Most are European or American White men, with only two women (Mary Cassatt and Georgia O’Keeffe) and two men of color (Jean-Michel Basquiat and Tadanori Yokoo) included. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An engaging art history read that would have benefitted from greater inclusivity.