New Perspectives on Art and Printmaking
This month, our editors and contributors bring you a fresh look at familiar topics in the art world. From the struggles of reclaiming heritage to the humor and insight of art critics, there is much to explore in the world of art and printmaking.
From These Roots: My Fight with Harvard to Reclaim My Legacy by Tamara Lanier
Tamara Lanier’s memoir delves into the ongoing battle to reclaim the daguerreotypes of her enslaved ancestors. Through her journey from Connecticut to the South, Lanier uncovers the painful truths of her family’s history and challenges wealthy institutions to acknowledge the crimes of the past. Her story is a poignant reminder of the living history behind art objects and the importance of confronting the past.
Buy on Bookshop | Crown, January 2025
Poor Artists by Gabrielle de la Puente and Zarina Muhammad (aka The White Pube)
In their debut book, Gabrielle de la Puente and Zarina Muhammad, known as The White Pube, offer a sharp critique of the art world with wit and humor. Through interviews with various art-world figures, they explore the strategies artists employ to navigate a field often dominated by luxury consumerism. Poor Artists is a refreshing and entertaining read that sheds light on the challenges faced by artists in a competitive and often isolating industry.
Buy on Bookshop | Prestel, November 2024
Sergio Larrain: ValparaĂso
Sergio Larrain’s book on ValparaĂso, with accompanying text by Pablo Neruda, captures the essence of the Chilean port city in the 1960s. Through Larrain’s evocative photographs, we are transported to a world of beauty, hardship, and mystery. Neruda’s poetic descriptions complement the images, creating a vivid portrait of a city teeming with life and history. This book is a testament to Larrain’s skill as a photographer and his ability to capture the essence of a place.
Buy on Bookshop | Thames & Hudson, February 2025
Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line, edited by Tomoko Sato
Timeless Mucha offers a fresh perspective on the work of Alphonse Mucha, highlighting the political and artistic context that influenced his iconic style. The catalog explores Mucha’s dreams of political freedom and resurgence, shedding light on the global influences that shaped his art. Through essays and images, readers gain a deeper understanding of Mucha’s work and its lasting impact on art and design.
Buy on Bookshop | Mucha Foundation and D.A.P., March 2025
Headwaters (and Other Short Fictions) by Lucy Lippard
Lucy Lippard’s collection of narrative and experimental fiction offers a glimpse into the mind of a prolific critic and writer. From early short stories to Fluxus-inspired directions, Lippard’s work spans a range of styles and themes. Her self-awareness and experimental approach make for a captivating read that challenges traditional storytelling conventions and blurs the line between art and literature.
Buy the Book | New Documents, December 2024
Female Printmakers, Printsellers, and Print Publishers in the Eighteenth Century: The Imprint of Women, c. 1700–1830, edited by Cristina S. Martinez and Cynthia E. Roman
This collection of essays shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in the printmaking industry. From artists to publishers, women played vital roles in shaping the art world of the eighteenth century. The book uncovers the stories of these remarkable women and challenges traditional narratives that have marginalized their achievements. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of printmaking.
Read the Book | University of Cambridge Press, March 2024
Barbara by Joni Murphy
Joni Murphy’s novel Barbara offers a compelling exploration of identity, performance, and history in mid-20th century America. Through the character of Barbara, Murphy delves into the complexities of femininity, the allure of cinema, and the legacy of the atomic bomb. Beauty and violence intertwine in this mesmerizing narrative that challenges readers to question the roles we play in shaping our own stories.
Buy on Bookshop | Astra House, March 2025
