ABSTRACT
The concept of counterfactuals has already been recognised in areas such as historiography, philosophy, physics, economics, linguistics, game theory and psychology. Although counterfactuals have been identified in media such as literature, theatre and film, the term has not yet gained wide recognition in relation to the fine arts. This chapter presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book begins the exploration of the stages of counterfactual thinking by considering an audience's perception and reaction to establish the requirements for this new category of counterfactual art. It explores concepts of counterfactual art through a range of examples in the fine arts, ranging from painting and photography to immersive media art installations.
