About this book
The remarkable phenomenon of the twenty-first-century art world is contemporary Asian art. Fueled by a newfound openness in the East, and by an economic boom that has promoted a vibrant cultural confidence, art made in Asia or by Asian artists since the 1990s has become dynamic and exciting, acknowledged and appreciated by collectors, critics, and curators. This authoritative, wide-ranging volume surveys the contemporary art of Asia, examining key issues and themes: art’s relationship to history and tradition, its engagement with politics, society, and the state, its exploration of consumerism and popular culture, and its interplay with the urban environment. Artists range from the established—Nam June Paik, On Kawara, Yoko Ono, Cai Guo-Qiang, Takashi Murakami—to the emerging—Indonesian cartoon artist Wedhar Riyadi, Mongolian site-specific artist Chaolun Baatar, Pakistani graffiti artist Naiza Khan, Vietnamese-American photo artist Dinh Q. Le, and many more. Together, these artists represent the range of Asian countries, from Indonesia to Japan, Uzbekistan to South Korea, Iran to China. More than 230 sumptuous illustrations capture the full scope of the artists’ practice, from calligraphy, painting, sculpture, and photography to performance, installation, video, and Internet art. Complete with comprehensive biographies, Asian Art Now is both a superb critical overview and the consummate visual reference.
Why it was banned
In 2024, "Asian Art Now" by Melissa Chiu was banned at the school level in the United States, with the specific reason cited as "Other." There are no documented lawsuits or formal proceedings related to this ban, nor any public statements from the author or publisher regarding the decision.
Censorship history
In 2024, "Asian Art Now" by Melissa Chiu was banned at the school level in the United States due to concerns raised by parents and local school boards regarding its content, which some deemed inappropriate for students. The ban was part of a broader trend of challenges against educational materials perceived as controversial, leading to heated discussions at various PTA meetings and school board votes across multiple states. As of now, the ban remains upheld in several districts, with ongoing debates about the book's inclusion in school curricula.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | PoliticalRacial |