May 1, 2024
Updated May 9, 2025
19 minute read
Contemporary art, in its broadest sense, encompasses the art of today, generally referring to works created from the latter half of the 20th century (around the 1960s or 1970s) to the present moment. It's a vibrant and constantly evolving field, reflecting our globally interconnected, culturally diverse, and technologically advancing world. Unlike many earlier art periods, contemporary art isn't defined by a single style or ideology; instead, it's characterized by its diversity of materials, methods, concepts, and subjects. This dynamism can be incredibly engaging, offering a window into how artists today grapple with complex ideas and societal shifts. The field often encourages a conceptual focus, where the idea or message behind the artwork is as important, if not more so, than the traditional aesthetic qualities. Furthermore, contemporary art frequently involves interdisciplinary practices, meaning artists might combine various art forms or even incorporate elements from science, technology, or social activism into their work.
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Reading list
We've selected 28 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Contemporary Art.
Provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary art, from its origins in the early 20th century to the present day. It discusses the key movements and artists of the period, and explores the social, political, and cultural influences that have shaped contemporary art.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the complex question of what constitutes contemporary art. Terry Smith examines the various forces and individuals who shape its definition, including artists, critics, curators, and the market. It's an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the field and is often used in academic settings.
Comprehensive history of modern art from the early 20th century to the present day. It is written in a lively and engaging style, and provides a wealth of information about the key artists and movements of the period.
Explores key themes and ideas prevalent in contemporary art since 1980. It helps to organize the diverse landscape of contemporary art into understandable categories, making it easier to grasp the motivations and subjects artists engage with. It is often used as a textbook and is highly relevant for understanding the core concerns of contemporary artists.
Rosalind Krauss highly influential art historian and critic. This collection of essays includes her seminal text "Sculpture in the Expanded Field," which redefined how we understand sculptural practice in the late 20th century. is essential for a deeper theoretical understanding of the shifts in art from modernism to postmodernism.
Focuses on socially engaged art, examining practices that prioritize dialogue and interaction within communities. Given the course mentions of activism and social movements, Kester's work provides a critical framework for understanding this important area of contemporary art. It's highly relevant for those interested in the social and political dimensions of contemporary art.
Offers a comprehensive survey of contemporary art from a global perspective, with a particular focus on art from Africa and the diaspora. Okwui Enwezor was a highly respected curator and scholar, making thvaluable resource for understanding the increasingly global nature of contemporary art. It provides a broader geographical scope than many other surveys.
This comprehensive sourcebook provides a collection of primary texts by artists, critics, and theorists. It's an invaluable resource for accessing original writings and manifestos that have shaped contemporary art discourse. is excellent for in-depth research and understanding the artists' perspectives firsthand.
Arthur Danto's provocative work argues for a shift in the trajectory of art history with the advent of contemporary art. is crucial for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of contemporary art and how it diverges from previous art historical narratives. It is considered a classic text that provides a deep theoretical understanding.
Sarah Thornton provides an ethnographic look at the different subcultures that constitute the contemporary art world, from auctions to art schools and biennials. offers a fascinating and accessible insight into the social and economic structures surrounding contemporary art. It's a great read for understanding the ecosystem in which contemporary art operates.
Hans Belting examines contemporary art within a global context, moving beyond a purely Western-centric view. is valuable for understanding the diverse perspectives and influences shaping contemporary art worldwide. It offers a broader, more inclusive understanding of the field.
In this book, Hal Foster examines the relationship between contemporary art, criticism, and the state of emergency. It offers a critical perspective on recent developments in art and its engagement with contemporary social and political issues. It's a valuable resource for understanding current critical discourse.
Seminal work that explores the relationship between art and power. Rosenberg argues that art is not simply a reflection of society, but rather a powerful force that can shape and change the world.
Part of the esteemed 'World of Art' series, this book offers a concise yet informative overview of contemporary art. It's a good starting point for beginners, providing a well-illustrated introduction to key artists, movements, and themes. It serves as a reliable and accessible guide to the subject.
Part of the 'Very Short Introduction' series, this book offers a concise and accessible overview of contemporary art. It's an excellent starting point for beginners, providing a brief but informative introduction to key concepts and debates.
This recent publication highlights the significant use of threads and textiles in contemporary art. It showcases a wide range of artists working with these materials, demonstrating the diverse approaches and conceptual possibilities within this area. It's a great resource for exploring a specific and increasingly prominent medium in contemporary art. Published within the last five years, it reflects current trends.
Marina Abramović pivotal figure in performance art, a key area within contemporary art. Her memoir provides a personal and insightful account of her life and artistic practice, offering a direct perspective from a groundbreaking artist. While a memoir, it offers valuable context for understanding the development and impact of performance art.
While contemporary art encompasses various mediums, painting remains a significant practice. provides an overview of contemporary painting, showcasing diverse approaches and styles. It's a useful resource for understanding the continued relevance and evolution of painting in the contemporary context.
Comprehensive guide to contemporary art from around the world. It features over 1,000 artists from over 100 countries.
Examines the impact of digital technology on contemporary art. Grau discusses the new forms of art that have emerged as a result of digital technology, and explores the challenges and opportunities that digital technology presents for artists and art institutions.
Self-help book for artists that offers practical advice on how to overcome creative blocks and develop your creativity. Cameron provides a series of exercises and meditations that can help you to access your creativity and produce more meaningful and fulfilling work.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
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