The book challenges conventional definitions of art by showcasing over 300 extraordinary artworks that exist outside the formal art world. It explores diverse and often outrageous forms of creative expression, including pimped cars, graffiti, flash mobs, burlesque acts, extreme body art, ice sculpture, light shows, and carnivals. Authors David Carrier and Joachim Pissarro, drawing on years of studying alternative and underground art cultures, present a collection that is variously moving, funny, or shocking. The aim is to celebrate the beauty and art found in unexpected places, prompting readers to reconsider their perceptions of what constitutes art.

This collection is characterized by its brash and current approach to art, focusing on works that are unconventional and provocative. The authors' extensive study of alternative art scenes provides a unique perspective on creativity that exists beyond mainstream galleries. The book is designed to elicit strong reactions, whether through humor, shock, or a sense of wonder at the breadth of human artistic expression. It serves as a comprehensive survey of the unconventional, encouraging a broader understanding of what art can be.