Contemporary art has taken many twists and turns throughout the 20th Century. It has moved through Dada and Cubism, to Abstract Impressionism and the Surrealist movement, pausing to revel in fads, popular criticism and much puzzlement. Obsessions with geometric shapes have replaced the serenity of a landscape, and inspiration has shifted from nature to abstract concepts and emotions. Despite its many changes and mutations, however, one could argue that the most influential movement of contemporary art was Pop Art, which saw its heyday in the '60s. Original masters, such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Jasper Johns, opened the doorway to some of the most inspiring and mind-boggling art of the century. Boston's Museum of Fine Arts is hosting some of the most influential works of this period in art until the end of October. Works from 17 American and German artists, selected from the personal collection of Eli and Edythe Broad, are now on view in an exhibit entitled "Jasper Johns to Jeff Koons: Four Decades of Art from the Broad Collection." This exhibit covers the most influential artists of contemporary art, from the original Pop Art masters such as Johns, Warhol and Lichtenstein, to more modern masters like Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Cindy Sherman. Almost all artistic forms are represented: Sculpture, painting and photography. All mediums are covered, from basic oil or acrylic on canvas to wood carvings, plastic sculptures, straw and a tank of water with basketballs in it.

The exhibit opens with Jasper Johns' "Flag," the piece that began the pop art movement. The painting is a mix of unconventional encaustic (a type of painting using wax paints) and collage, painted on three canvas panels, which are connected. Despite its common subject matter, the painting has become an American icon since its inception in 1967. "Flag" is juxtaposed with its counterpart "White Flag," an oil and newspaper collage over lithograph, which is basically the same painting done in shades of white. Several of Johns' untitled works follow, all of which make a stunning start to the exhibit. Johns is heralded as the father of modern contemporary art, as most people today know it, and the sampling of his work at the show is exquisite.

Following the Johns pieces are several works by Ed Ruscha, including his beautiful "Sunset-Gardner Cross," which turns the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Gardner into a modern day crucifixion without a Christ figure.

The next room provides a glimpse into the genius of Andy Warhol. On display are some of his most heralded works, including "Elvis," "Blue Jackies," "Self Portrait" and the infamous "Two Marilyns," Warhol's signature Marilyn Monroe silkscreen. One of the silkscreens from his morbid series is there too, the blood-red "Big Electric Chair." Following Warhol is a room full of Roy Lichtenstein, who has a total of ten pieces on display. These pieces include, "I ... I'm Sorry," and "Rouen Cathedral (Seen at Five Different Times of Day) Set III," a stunning series of Lichtenstein's signature dot-paintings that require the viewer to stand across the room in order even to see the subject matter.

Robert Therrien's "Under The Table" provides the spectators with a fun jaunt into a piece of art with his gigantic table and chairs sculpture, so huge that you can actually walk underneath it and explore freely. Two tongue in cheek paintings from John Baldessari, "Tips for Artists" and "The Spectator is Compelled ... " draw giggles from spectators.

Visitors are also surrounded by the amazing photography of Cindy Sherman and fabulous paintings and collages by Charles Ray, Anselm Kiefer and Julian Schnabel, to name only a few of the artists featured. The exhibit closes with contemporary Pop artist, Jeff Koons, whose "New Hoover Deluxe Shampoo Polishers," comprised of commercial vacuum cleaners and shampoos in a florescent lit Plexiglas box, is very reminiscent of Warhol's "Brillo Boxes." Koons is a true Pop artist, using Michael Jackson as a subject matter and plastic as a medium, in the same vein of Lichtenstein's high art comic book paintings.

"Jasper Johns to Jeff Koons: Four Decades of Art from the Broad Collection" is an incredible exhibit, featuring the most beautiful and breathtaking art from the latter half of the 20th Century. Its engagement at the Museum of Fine Arts lasts for only two more weeks before moving on to another city. It is an exhibition that is often startling, extremely enjoyable and infinitely inventive.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or over the phone by visiting www.mfa.org or by calling 617- 267-9300.

Tickets are $20.