Including over 120 full-colour images throughout, this is a vividly illustrated, in-depth and up-to-date introduction to the world of Korean art from 1950 to the present day.

The book covers such as topics as:
· Historical, political and social contexts in Korea from the military dictatorship through the post-Olympics period to the digital age;
· Major artistic movements, including: Modernist, Avant Garde Dansaekhwa, Minjung Misul, Hangukhwa, Sogroup undong , Pop Art, Feminist art, Media art, and Postmodern art;
· Key forms, from traditional ink painting to western style painting, print, photography, sculpture, public art, metal art, architecture, installation, performance, and digital art;
· Artistic institutions, from established galleries, museums, and the art market to artists' collectives and alternative spaces;
· Globalization and global contexts, including Korean American, Korean diaspora and Korean adopted artists.

Including an appendix of key art institutions, major exhibitions and important artists, this book is an essential introduction and reference guide to Korean art and its global impact.

At a time when the world is increasingly drawn to Korean culture and K-Pop, this vibrantly illustrated book not only offers substantial explanations of quintessential artworks, but also provides insightful explanations about foremost Korean artists, art movements, and their environment. It effectively explains the historical, political, and cultural background of modern and contemporary Korea, shedding light on the circumstances that gave birth to the creation of important works of art. -- Barbara von Barghahn, Professor of Art History and Corcoran Program Chair in Art History, George Washington University, USA
This book is an excellent resource for individuals looking to expand their knowledge of Korean modern art... The authors' dedication to seeking out current sources and materials is commendable, and their approach of looking at Korean modern and contemporary art through diverse lenses gives the reader a fresh perspective. The book challenges traditional interpretations of Korean modern art, offering a new and engaging art historical narrative. -- Yoon Jinsup, Art Critic and the Vice President of AICA (International Art Critics Association)
A long-awaited book for anyone passionate about contemporary art in general and contemporary Korean art in particular—at last, we have a comprehensive narrative of this vibrant branch of global contemporary art spanning over 70 years. The two authors have crafted a lucid historical framework, charting the evolution of this dynamic art form in both domestic and international contexts. With well-chosen examples and lively, thought-provoking discussions, this book is destined to become a go-to reference, warmly embraced by scholars, students, and art enthusiasts alike. * Wu Hung, Harrie A. Vandertappen Distinguished Service Professor, the University of Chicago *
Modern and Contemporary Korean Art in Context aims to introduce the cultural, historical and sociopolitical contexts of Korean art—from from traditional ink painting to performance and digital art—to a global audience. … [T]his vividly illustrated and comprehensive guide serves as an essential reference to key historical figures, political events, exhibitions, artists, art historians and art critics. * The Art Newspaper *

Jung-Sil Lee is Professorial Lecturer at George Washington University, USA and her books include Comfort Women: A Movement for Justice and Women's Rights in the US (2020). She has curated numerous art exhibitions dedicated to Asian art, including “Collateral Damage” (CUNY, New York, 2016) and the “Truth: Promise for Peace” traveling exhibition (2017) sponsored by Korean Minster of Gender Equality and Family.

Dong-Yeon Koh is a critic, curator and adjunct Professor at Ewha Women's University, Korea. Koh is the author of nine books in English and in Korean including The Korean War and Postmemory Generation (2021), The Condition of Art Criticism (2019), and Soft-power: The Popularization Artistic Practices in East Asian Art (2018).