Art: 21

A refreshingly innovative and engaging approach to capturing the process, personal insights and motivations that inspire a diverse and dynamic group of contemporary artists." -Kim Kanstani, director of education, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum This companion to a new public television series on the contemporary visual arts introduces some of the most interesting artists working in America today. In four sections - on Identity, Place, Consumption, and Spirituality - the authors explore such provocative issues as how artists address sexual or racial identity in their work, and how creativity is affected by changing notions of place in today's era of transnationalism and cyberspace. Accessible yet challenging, this richly illustrated work shows the direct relevance of contemporary art to everyday life. Richard Serra, Bruce Nauman, Maya Lin, Matthew Barney, and Barbara Kruger are just a few of the artists represented in a book that spans varied mediums to reveal the full breadth of art in today's America.