In a sweeping introduction to the question of what contemporary art is, aimed at a general readership, Smith describes various artistic phenomena such as ‘mainstream modernism,’ ‘pop revivalism,’ and postcolonial positions. This analysis touches upon important concerns of the young generation of artists such as: history, time, modernism, mediation and the media, and political engagement. With its focus on personalities (artists, curators) and influential institutions (museums, galleries), this book could be viewed as one map of the current contemporary art world.