This page lists contemporary art 'survey' books and exhibition catalogues that typically feature many artists.
For the purposes of what to include here, the contemporary period is taken to coincide largely with the 21st century. However some books covering late 20th century contemporary art are included.
While most titles are in the Central Library, some NZ books are in the Macmillan Brown Library only. To find other resources on contemporary art, see search examples below.
To search for journal articles etc. on contemporary art or an artist, start with one of these key art databases:
Provides full text plus abstracts and indexing of an international array of peer-selected publications, with expanded coverage of Latin American, Canadian, Asian and non-Western art, new artists, contemporary art, exhibition reviews, and feminist criticism. Subject coverage includes art and architectural history, film/cinema, museology, painting, photography, sculpture, television and video.
Date range: 1984- (indexing/abstracts); 1995- (full text)
Provides full-text access to back issues of selected scholarly journals in many subjects.
You can browse recent issues of journals that cover contemporary art, such as the journal titles below.
Journal issues or volumes may be borrowed, for the normal issue period for UC students (up to 100 items).
More contemporary art books and exhibition catalogues can be found by searching the Library catalogue Subject Keywords index for subjects such as:
Use Title Keywords for these searches (or Keywords to get more results):
Search for an individual artist by entering the name in the Keywords index.