Contemporary Art in France

A comprehensive review of the artistic movements that have taken place in France from the 1960s to the present, this study benefits from the anecdotes and personal memories of its author, Catherine Millet. The internationally respected art critic, who was herself an active participant in these movements, breathes life into this factual chronology of the contemporary art scene in France. She exposes the often unexpected links between movements by underscoring their contradictions and taking into consideration the social and cultural changes that have occurred since the 1960s in France and across the globe. An extensive reference, this book provides the keys to understanding the international contemporary art scene as a whole. Contemporary Art in France serves as an historical essay, offering a profound analysis of the prevailing tendencies and characteristics of art of the past forty years. Available for the first time in English, the book is completed by a chronology of events, a thorough account of the latest creative developments, and more than 300 illustrations.

Catherine Millet has been the editor in chief of the Parisian contemporary art review Art Press since 1972. She has published many works on contemporary art, including the French edition of this book, now in its third edition. Her provocative and highly controversial graphic memoir The Sexual Life of Catherine M. has been a best seller since its publication in 2002. Richard Leydier, art critic and exhibition commissioner, works closely with Millet at Art Press. He contributed the last chapter to this volume, which explores the challenges of contemporary art today.