Abstract: The western contemporary art theory is not a homogenous and single linear state, but a dialogue, circulation and reproduction knowledge system composed of different ideological camps and knowledge forces. In this system, the practical interpretation of the theory is particularly important. In this regard, Cynthia Freeland’s new perception theory, Terry Barrett’s comprehensive interpretation theory and Mark Getlein’s meaning hermeneutics theory are relatively unique cases. Their common feature is that they pay attention to the practical interpretation of contemporary art, promote the understanding and dissemination of contemporary art, and have more prominent social and cultural significance. This micro art theory, together with philosophy theory and cultural theory, constitutes the overall style of western contemporary art theory. As one of the universal laws of theory generation, the art theory of practical interpretation has brought new enlightenment to Chinese contemporary art theory, that is, based on Chinese reality, strengthening the practical interpretation and cultural attention of art, and promoting the characteristic development of Chinese contemporary art theory.