How to Read Contemporary Art ─ Experiencing the art of the 21st century

Today’s artists create work that’s challenging, complicated, and often perplexing, and this book offers a guide to understanding—and enjoying—the wide range of works on display in museums and galleries worldwide. How to Read Contemporary Art provides a thoughtful, accessible, and lavishly illustrated look at the ever-changing world of art at the beginning of the 21st century. Organized alphabetically, the book encompasses photography, installation, sculpture, painting, video art, performance, and more. Author Michael Wilson explores the impact of a broad selection of the most prominent artists at work around the world today, including Francis Alys, Allora & Calzadilla, Luc Tuymans, and Marina Abramovic.

Michael Wilson is an editor and writer on art and visual culture who has written for Artforum and Art in America. He has a master’s degree from the Royal College of Art and an MFA from the University of Ulster. He lives in Brooklyn.