This publication presents John Clark’s collected writings on modern and contemporary Chinese art. Almost thirty years of pioneering empirical, in-depth research dedicated to modernities of Chinese art, is now for the first time conveniently brought together in one volume.

Taking up issues not handled much at the time by academic or curatorial writing, John Clark wrote articles on a wide range of separate topics, some of which anticipated future discussions. These articles fall into a coherent series of closely related examinations on the problems of 'modernity' in Chinese art. Most of the essays published previously elsewhere have therefore been adapted for this publication, while others, e.g., the first hand observations of Beijing and Hong Kong in 1981, appear in print now for the first time. Chapters often include unique interview material, and much other information not found elsewhere.

Including illustrations of over 200 art works in color with biographical appendices of Taiwan and Hong Kong artists, extensive chronological materials in thematic categories on Chinese art and an extensive bibliography, this is an essential reference work for anyone interested in modern Chinese art.