At a fundamental level, paintings are images on a canvas - symbolic representations of abstract thought. Great paintings however have terroir, a sense of place that embodies them with the distinct characteristics of the culture of the land from which they are born. Like great wines, the sense of the land, with its people and culture give great paintings their backbone, rooting them deep within the historical context from which they originate. This is a book about images and artists that are playing a part in defining and reflecting the aesthetic world today. It presents views from the perspective of pioneering artists that have emerged from art cultures around the world. This book not only showcases the outlook, creation and genius of these artists - it transcends the everyday art experience of a museum visit. It offers insight into what goes on inside the minds of these vibrant and insightful individuals, and what they have to say can expand our knowledge and understanding of the world in which we live.