Visualizer: Contemporary Art

A Start with Modern Art

Nov. 2, 2012 6:52 p.m. ET

Let's face it, contemporary art can sometimes be bewildering, no matter how old you are. A pile of rocks: Is that really art? A canvas painted all one color: How much work did that take?

The new book "What Is Contemporary Art? A Guide for Kids," from New York's Museum of Modern Art ($19.95), offers a primer, featuring over 70 artists. Although it's geared toward youngsters, adults could also learn a thing or two. Some of the themes include self-portraits, why so many works are titled "Untitled" and...

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