This book investigates the complex relationship between global modernisms and the development of contemporary art practices. Kobena Mercer, a renowned art critic and theorist, draws upon extensive research into post-colonial theory and art history to argue that modernism was never a purely Western phenomenon but a globally circulating set of ideas and practices that continue to shape artistic production today.

This work is recognized for its critical engagement with the historiography of modernism, challenging traditional, often Western-centric, narratives. Mercer's scholarship is noted for its interdisciplinary approach, synthesizing art criticism, cultural theory, and post-colonial studies to offer a more nuanced understanding of artistic developments across different global contexts. The book is considered a significant contribution to the study of global modernisms and their enduring influence on contemporary art.