KEYNOTE: This survey of great contemporary artists is the perfect introduction to the exciting world of art today. Artists working after World War II faced a confounding array of challenges, as stylistic barriers were broken, technology advanced, and issues of sexuality and race came to the forefront. From painters and photographers to sculptors and performance artists, fifty of the most influential contemporary artists are profiled in this colourful and engaging book that traces the various artistic movements and radical changes of the second half of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Presented chronologically, each artist is featured in 2 or 4-page spreads that include brilliant reproductions of their most important works, an illuminating biography, key dates in their career, and informative background on major developments in the art world. Throughout the volume a timeline places each artist within the context of contemporary art. As diverse and inspiring as the artists themselves, this book is a voyage of discovery into art's cutting edge. AUTHOR: Christiane Weidemann is the author of several books on art, including 50 Women Artists You Should Know and 50 Modern Artists You Should Know (both by Prestel). She lives in Berlin. Brad Finger is the author of numerous books on art, including 13 Modern Artists You Should Know and Jan Vermeer (both by Prestel). He lives in Chicago. ILLUSTRATIONS: 150 colour illustrations *
