Surprisingly, this is the first subject dictionary that addresses avant-garde artists and styles among the visual and performing arts. Prolific artist and author Kostelanetz ( Conversing with Cage , LJ 10/1/93) first develops a working definition of avant-garde art: it expresses aesthetic innovation, gains initial acceptance from a limited audience, and serves as inspiration to future artists. From this he selects for inclusion such artists and movements as Beckett, Cage, Bunuel, Abstract Expressionism, free jazz, and video art...