Themes of Contemporary Art: Visual Art after 1980 is a unique introduction to several important themes that have recurred in art over the past few decades. Examining visual art from 1980 to the present, it takes an intriguing and accessible approach that motivates students and other readers to think actively about and discuss contemporary art--what it means and how it means what it does. The opening chapter provides a concise overview of the period, analyzing how four key changes (the rise of new media, a growing awareness of diversity, the influence of theory, and interactions with everyday visual culture) have resulted in an art world with dramatically expanded boundaries. Reflecting the paradigm shift from a formalist way of teaching studio art to more varied and open-ended concepts, the remaining six chapters each deal with a key theme--time, place, the body, language, identity, and spirituality. Each chapter features an introduction to the thematic topic; a brief look at historical precedents and influences; a detailed analysis of how contemporary artists have responded to and embodied aspects of the theme in specific works; and an in-depth and fascinating profile of an artist who has extensively explored aspects of the theme in his or her work. Themes of Contemporary Art: Visual Art after 1980 shows how art can be interpreted from several different angles: techniques and materials, historical circumstances, aesthetic qualities, theoretical issues, and an artist's ideas and intentions. Writing in a lucid and engaging style, the authors skillfully reveal the multiple levels of meaning in artworks, drawing connections between contemporary art, art of the past, and everyday existence. The volume is enhanced by 87 illustrations--19 in full color--that demonstrate an immense variety of materials, subjects, and styles. These well-chosen examples will help readers learn to critically describe, interpret, and evaluate contemporary visual art. A bibliography and a timeline that situates contemporary art in the context of major events in world history, art, and popular culture are also included. An ideal core text for courses in contemporary art history, Themes of Contemporary Art: Visual Art after 1980 can also be used as a supplement in modern art, art appreciation, art criticism/theory, and studio art courses.

Preface Introduction Themes of Contemporary Art: What, Why, and How A Brief Orientation 1. The Art World Expands Overview of History and Art History, 1980-2004 Old Media Thrive, New Media Make Waves A Spectrum of Possibilities Emerges Theory Flexes Its Muscles Art Meets Contemporary Culture 2. Time Time and Art History Representing time Embodying time Changing Views of Time Changing Views of the Past Exhibits about Time Exploring the Structure of Time Fracturing time Real time Changing rhythm Exploring endlessness Revisiting the Past Recovering history Reshuffling the past Reframing the present Commemorating the Past PROFILE: Brian Tolle 3. Place Places Have Meanings Places Have Value Exhibits about Place History's Influence (Most) places exist in space The work of art exists in a place Looking at Places Looking Out for Places Constructing (and Deconstructing) Artificial Places Placeless Spaces What's Public? What's Private? In-between Places PROFILE: Janet Cardiff 4. Identity Identity in Art History Identity Is Communal or Relational Social and cultural identities Identity politics Identity Is Constructed Essentialism Difference Identity is Not Fixed Sexual Identity Is Diverse Hybridity Reinventing Identities PROFILE: Jaune Quick-to-See Smith 5. The Body Past Figurative Art A New Spin on the Body The body is a battleground The body is a sign People are bodies The Body Beautiful Different bodies Body parts Mortal Bodies Sexual Bodies The gaze Sexual pleasure and desire Sex and violence Posthuman Bodies PROFILE: Shirin Neshat 6. Language Words with Art: A History Art with Words: A History Recent Theories of Language Reasons for Using Language Exhibitions and Publications Concerning Language in Art Language Makes Meaning Language Takes Form Transparency and translucency Spatiality and physicality Books made by artists Art made with books Wielding the Power of Language Confronting the Challenge of Translation Using Text in the Information Age PROFILE: Ken Aptekar 7. Spirituality A Short History A Few Strategies Manipulating forms, materials, and processes Manipulating meanings and minds Finding Faith and Harboring Doubt Expressing Religious Identities Facing Death, Doom, and Destruction Mingling the Sacred and the Secular PROFILE: Jose Bedia Timeline Selected Bibliography Index

Jean RobertsonAssociate Professor of Art History, Herron School of Art and Design, Craig McDanielProfessor and Chair, Fine Arts Department, Herron School of Art and Design, both at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

"An excellent book that approaches contemporary art in ways that are relevant to how art is made today, ways that move beyond the old categories of medium and genre to examine a group of issues that motivate and structure much of the content of today's art."--Timothy Van Laar, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and coauthor of Art with a Difference: Looking at Difficult and Unfamiliar Art and Active Sights: Art as Social Interaction