Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love in all its forms, and what better way to do so than through the lens of art? From platonic to romantic, familial to artistic, and even political love, there are countless ways to express and explore this complex emotion. In a world where Valentine’s Day can evoke a range of emotions from resentment to elation, art books provide a unique perspective on the subject.
One such book, “What Art Can Tell Us About Love” by Nick Trend, takes readers on a journey through art history by delving into the love affairs of some of the most renowned artists. Trend eschews the idea of “muses” and instead focuses on decoding the puzzles within paintings, sculptures, and photographs to uncover the truths and emotions behind them. From subtle narratives in Rembrandt’s self-portrait to the vibrant love stories depicted by artists like Édouard Manet and Frida Kahlo, Trend shows how love has inspired some of the most significant works of art throughout history.
Another book, “Esther Mahlangu: To Paint Is in My Heart,” celebrates the work of South African artist Esther Mahlangu, whose joyful geometric designs blend sight and sound in a harmonious way. Through reproductions of her exquisite paintings and beadwork, readers are invited to explore Mahlangu’s unique creative traditions and the legacy she has built as a beacon of South African art.
For those interested in the intersection of art and politics, “Armed By Design: Posters and Publications of Cuba’s Organization of Solidarity of the Peoples of Africa, Asia, and Latin America (OSPAAAL)” offers a comprehensive look at the revolutionary graphics produced by the influential Cuban political movement. With nearly 500 posters, magazines, and books created over 50 years, OSPAAAL’s impact on graphic design and anti-imperialist messaging is undeniable.
Moving from the political to the personal, “How to Fuck Like a Girl: Essays by Vera Blossom” offers a candid and experimental exploration of sex and gender by Vera Blossom, a favorite local brown girl of trans experience. Through a mix of diary entries, advice columns, and poetry, Blossom challenges conventional notions of sex and relationships, offering a fresh perspective on intimacy and desire.
In “A Complicated Passion: The Life and Work of Agnès Varda” by Carrie Rickey, readers are taken on a journey through the deep, fragile, and complicated love affair between directors Agnès Varda and Jacques Demy. Their relationship, marked by artistic tension and personal struggles, is a testament to the enduring power of love in all its complexities.
And in “Mickalene Thomas: All About Love,” the catalog of artist Mickalene Thomas’s work explores the political dimensions of love, particularly for Black women, echoing Audre Lorde’s essay on the erotic as a source of power and liberation. Through her vibrant and empowering artwork, Thomas challenges societal norms and celebrates the richness of love in all its forms.
Lastly, “Kay Sage & Yves Tanguy: Ring of Iron, Ring of Wool” delves into the love and artistic partnership between Surrealist painters Kay Sage and Yves Tanguy. Their deep connection and mutual influence are evident in their work, showcasing the profound impact that love can have on artistic expression.
In conclusion, these art books offer a diverse and insightful exploration of love in all its forms, from the personal to the political, the romantic to the familial. Through the lens of art, readers can gain a deeper understanding of this complex and universal emotion, making them the perfect gift for the artsy militant boo in your life this Valentine’s Day. xoxo.
