Today’s artists create work that is exciting, challenging – and often perplexing. Exploring the significance and impact of a broad selection of the most prominent artists working across the globe – including Marina Abramovic, Maurizio Cattelan, Tacita Dean, Olafur Eliasson, Thomas Hirschhorn, Gabriel Orozco, Ai Weiwei and many more – How to Read Contemporary Art provides a vital key to understanding the ever-changing face of art at the beginning of the 21st century.

Succinct profiles dedicated to each of the 175 featured artists describe the media, influences and themes that shape their practice. Encompassing work in video, film, photography, installation, sculpture, painting, drawing, digital media and performance, this is a vibrant and accessible companion for art lovers everywhere.