New children's book about contemporary art

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles (MOCA) recently published a new children’s book on contemporary art called “Breaking the Rules: What is Contemporary Art?” by Susan Rubin. According to MOCA, the book is “the first to make the museum’s world-renowned permanent collection accessible to young audiences.”

The book introduces the work of artists from MOCA’s collection, including that of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Chris Burden and Maurizio Cattelan, among others. The book uses full-color print reproductions of the pieces along with quotes, texts and artists’ biographies to give children a better understanding of contemporary art and interpretation.

MOCA director of education Suzanne Isken describes why the book stands out from other children’s art books:

“Breaking the Rules” fills a gap in the kind of art presented to young audiences. While art books for children about Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein multiply, texts about the more contemporary artists are few and far between. “Breaking the Rules” expands the canon and includes leading contemporary female artists as well as a multicultural group of some of the most groundbreaking and exciting artists of our time.

MOCA has about 6,000 works in its collection created since 1940 in all visual media. The 64-page hardcover book introduces 25 contemporary artists and “explores some of the most intriguing works in the museum’s holdings, leading young audiences to examine the creative process of artists working today.” The book showcases works that “break the rules” of traditional art.

MOCA plans to donate 200 copies of the book to Los Angeles County Schools as part of the museum’s Contemporary Art Start program (CAS). “Breaking the Rules: What is Contemporary Art?” is available online or at MOCA Store locations for $14.95.