Author Description

The twenty-first-century phenomenon of the international art world is contemporary Asian art. Fuelled by a new-found openness in the East, and by an economic book that has promoted a vibrant cultural confidence, art made in Asia or by Asian artists since the 1990s has become a dynamic and hugely exciting sphere of interest, universally acknowledged and appreciated by collectors, critics and curators. This authoritative, wide-ranging book surveys the contemporary art of Asia, examining key issues and themes: art's relationship to history and tradition, its engagement with politics, society and the state, its exploration of consumerism and popular culture, and its interplay with the urban environment. Artists range from established names to emerging practitioners, and over 230 sumptuous illustrations capture the full scope of their practice, from calligraphy, painting, sculpture and photography to performance, installation, video and internet art. Complete with comprehensive artist biographies, this book is both a superb critical overview and the consummate visual reference. Rich in context, and concluding with a look at the future, it will be the definitive volume on the subject and essential reading for students, specialists and anyone fascinated by a truly remarkable, newly emerging field.