A Companion to Contemporary Art since 1945

by Amelia Jones (Editor), Amelia Jones (Editor)

A Companion to Contemporary Art is a major survey covering the major works and movements, the most important theoretical developments, and the historical, social, political, and aesthetic issues in contemporary art since 1945, primarily in the Euro-American context.

Collects 27 original essays by expert scholars describing the current state of scholarship in art history and visual studies, and pointing to future directions in the field.

Contains dual chronological and thematic coverage of the major themes in the art of our time: politics, culture wars, public space, diaspora, the artist, identity politics, the body, and visual culture.

Offers synthetic analysis, as well as new approaches to, debates central to the visual arts since 1945 such as those addressing formalism, the avant-garde, the role of the artist, technology and art, and the society of the spectacle.

Genres: Art, Art History

656 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Amelia Jones is an American art historian, art critic and curator specializing in feminist art, body/ performance art, video art and Dadaism. Her written works and approach to modern and contemporary art history are considered revolutionary in that she breaks down commonly assumed opinions and offers brilliantly conceived critiques of the art historical tradition and individual artist's positions in that often elitist sphere.

Amelia Jones studied art history at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania. She received her Phd from UCLA in 1991.

Jones has taught art history at UC Riverside and is currently the Pilkington Chair of the art history department at Manchester University.

Jones received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2000.

Amelia Jones is the daughter of Princeton Psychology professor Edward E. Jones.

Reviews

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting perspectives and threads concerning history and art's place in it.

[Molly Cawthorn-Matre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great theory text for art history and culture!

[Stanimir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia Jones’ 'A Companion to Contemporary Art Since 1945' is a theoretically rich and intellectually rigorous exploration of post-1945 art. Rather than a linear history, it presents a thematic and interdisciplinary approach, covering aesthetics, identity, politics, and technology. Essays by leading scholars provide critical insights into how contemporary art intersects with activism, gender, race, and digital culture.

The book excels in its diverse perspectives and critical depth, making it essential for scholars but challenging for general readers. While its focus is largely Euro-American, it offers a thought-provoking analysis of contemporary art’s evolving discourse.