Theories and Interpretations of Global Contemporary Art

This study guide covers Unit 9: Global Contemporary (1980-Present), focusing on Bill Viola's The Crossing (video installation exploring life/death/transformation) and Christo and Jeanne-Claude's The Gates (large-scale environmental installation in Central Park). Key themes include experiential art, temporality, scale, and audience engagement. The guide also provides exam tips, practice questions (multiple-choice, short answer, and free response), and emphasizes comparing/contrasting these works.