Monuments and the late Louise Bourgeois are the focal points of discussion in the art world as we near the end of 2025. “Monumental” by Cat Dawson challenges us to reconsider traditional monuments and explore subversive alternatives. Nanase Shirokawa, in her review, praises the contemporary works featured in the book, such as Kara Walker’s sugar sculpture, but also questions the funding systems that support these new forms of monuments, particularly in prestigious art museums.
On the other hand, the biography “Knife-Woman: The Life of Louise Bourgeois” by Marie-Laure Bernadac, translated by Lauren Elkin, sheds light on the life of the iconic artist. Bridget Quinn delves into the strengths and weaknesses of this comprehensive biography, applauding its detailed depiction of Bourgeois’ life while critiquing the use of sexist terms in a modern context.
In case you missed it, our gift guide for art books offers a curated selection for every art enthusiast in your life. From Ruth Asawa catalogs to Vermeer tomes, there is something for everyone this holiday season. Need some inspiration for your next art read? Check out our archive of book reviews, including “Art Monsters: Unruly Bodies in Feminist Art” by Lauren Elkin and “The Van Gogh Sisters” by Willem-Jan Verlinden.
Looking ahead, don’t miss out on upcoming art book events in the next two weeks, both in New York and beyond. From book launches to panel discussions, there is plenty to explore in the world of art literature. And if you’re curious, here are a couple of books I’m diving into this week: “Katabasis” by R. F. Kuang and “Authority” by Andrea Long Chu.
As we approach the new year, stay tuned for more reviews and recommendations on the best art books of 2025. Your continued support and engagement are greatly appreciated. Happy reading!
— Lakshmi Rivera Amin, Associate Editor
