13 Best Books for Artists

TASCHEN, a renowned publisher of art books, is offering a massive sale on some of their most popular titles. This is the perfect opportunity to add a touch of intellectualism to your living space without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned art history enthusiast or just looking to zhuzh up your coffee table, this sale has something for everyone.

From Ren Hang’s provocative photography to smart and creative TASCHEN books, there’s no better way to showcase your cultured side. This short list of TASCHEN’s top titles will not only make you look erudite but also provide hours of engaging conversation with your guests. Don’t miss out on this chance to snag some of the biggest and raddest art books imaginable.

1. Hieronymus Bosch: The Complete Works

Hieronymus Bosch The Complete Works

Hieronymous Bosch was a Dutch painter who created works of art that have puzzled, enchanted, and terrified people for centuries. His triptyque of heaven and hell is particularly famous for its intricate details and surreal imagery.

The Complete Works is a book that showcases all of Bosch’s paintings, providing a comprehensive look at his oeuvre. Published by Taschen, the book is so large that it shows details of the artist’s works that are invisible to the naked eye.

Features

  • The Complete Works includes all of Bosch’s paintings, along with detailed descriptions of each work.
  • The book is organized chronologically, allowing readers to see how Bosch’s style evolved over time.
  • The images in the book are of high quality, making it possible to see even the smallest details in Bosch’s paintings.
  • The book also includes essays by art historians, providing context and analysis of Bosch’s work.

2. Tom of Finland XXL

Tom of Finland XXL

Tom of Finland is a renowned artist whose work is loved by people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations. His art and merchandise are highly sought after, and the Tom of Finland XXL book is no exception. This book is a must-have for any fan of Tom of Finland’s iconic and truly amazing gay art.

3. Lo—TEK: Design by Radical Indigenism

Lo—TEK Design by Radical Indigenism

Julia Watson is the author of “Lo—TEK: Design by Radical Indigenism,” which explores how indigenous peoples around the world have developed sustainable and resilient design solutions for centuries.

Watson argues that by drawing on this wisdom, we can create more ethical and sustainable design practices that are better equipped to confront the challenges of climate change and a growing population.

The book showcases innovative solutions from around the world, including floating gardens in Bangladesh, terraced agriculture in Peru, and natural air conditioning systems in Yemen.

4. Ren Hang

Ren Hang

Ren Hang was a Beijing-based photographer who produced a collection of subversively beautiful images that remain memorable. His works included images of octopus tentacles intertwined with human hair, a woman’s face framed by a peacock, and an erect penis urinating into Godzilla’s mouth.

Despite dying in 2017 at the young age of 29, Ren’s brief career was impressive, with over 20 solo and 70 group shows in just six years. His bold and rich career is displayed in this book, which is a great way to revisit the best of his work. However, it’s worth noting that the book is not safe for work due to its explicit content.

5. Erotica Universalis

Erotica Universalis

Erotica Universalis is a book that delves into the erotic history of humanity, featuring a collection of spicy imagery and select excerpts from famous writers and artists, including Voltaire, Verlaine, Matisse, and Boucher. This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to explore their own sexual fantasies while learning about the eroticism of different cultures throughout history.

6. Sebastião Salgado: GENESIS

Sebastião Salgado GENESIS

Sebastião Salgado’s GENESIS is a photographic project that took him eight years to complete. The book is a collection of black and white images that showcase the beauty of untouched landscapes and people who live in harmony with nature.

GENESIS is a visual journey that captures the essence of the Amazon, Africa, and other remote locations around the world. It is a testament to Salgado’s passion for photography and his dedication to preserving the natural world.

GENESIS features over 200 black and white photographs that are printed in high-quality on large pages. The book is a work of art that showcases Salgado’s talent as a photographer. The images are accompanied by captions that provide context and information about the locations and subjects.

7. Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s art is considered to be a defining characteristic of New York City in the 1980s. He managed to create paintings that went beyond a single era and city.

Basquiat’s art is known for its visceral and unwavering reflection of capitalism, race, and sexuality. His major works are showcased in XXL-sized monographs that allow every brushstroke to be given the attention it deserves.

8. Massimo Listri: The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries

Massimo Listri The World's Most Beautiful Libraries

Massimo Listri, a renowned photographer, traveled to some of the world’s most beautiful libraries to capture their stunning architecture. From medieval to 19th-century institutions, Listri’s impeccable photography showcases the grandeur and beauty of these libraries.

His book, published by Taschen, features some of the most breathtaking libraries in the world, including the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris. Listri’s work is a testament to the timeless beauty and importance of these institutions.

9. California Crazy: American Pop Architecture

California Crazy American Pop Architecture

California Crazy is a term used to describe the whimsical and eccentric architecture that emerged in the United States in the early 20th century. These buildings were designed to catch the eye of passersby and entice them to stop and visit local businesses. This style of architecture was especially popular in California, where the car culture and warm weather made it the perfect place for roadside attractions.

California Crazy architecture is characterized by its playful and exaggerated design elements. Buildings were often shaped like giant animals, fruits, or other recognizable objects. Bright colors, neon lights, and flashy signs were also common features. The goal was to create a sense of excitement and wonder in the minds of those who saw these buildings.

10. 1000 Tattoos

1000 Tattoos

“1000 Tattoos” is a massive book that explores the rich history, diversity, artistry, and versatility of tattooing. Co-edited by Burkhard Riemschneider and Henk Schiffmacher, this fascinating book is a must-have for any tattoo enthusiast. Henk Schiffmacher also compiled his own amazing Taschen tattoo book.

11. Frida Kahlo: The Complete Paintings

Frida Kahlo The Complete Paintings

Frida Kahlo’s complete collection of 152 paintings, including her iconic self-portraits, is now available in a single XXL monograph format. The book also includes rare photos, diary entries, letters, and an illustrated biography. This comprehensive collection is available for purchase for $200 at Taschen.

12. Sneaker Freaker: The Ultimate Sneaker Book

Sneaker Freaker The Ultimate Sneaker Book

Sneaker Freaker: The Ultimate Sneaker Book is a comprehensive guide to the global sneaker phenomenon. The book, which has over 650 pages, is the first of its kind and provides an in-depth look at the most iconic sneakers in history. It is a must-have for anyone interested in streetwear and sneaker culture.

The book is a coffee table classic for rubber sole obsessives, as described by The Guardian. It compiles extreme attention to detail in documenting the rise of sneaker culture.

13. Christo and Jeanne-Claude

Christo and Jeanne-Claude

Christo and Jeanne-Claude were a husband-and-wife team of artists who gained international acclaim for their large-scale environmental installations.

Their works were characterized by their ambitious scale and their ability to transform landscapes and buildings into works of art. The couple was known for using unconventional materials such as fabric, plastic, and steel to create their installations.

Summary

The Taschen Summer Sale is a highly anticipated event for art and book enthusiasts. With discounts of up to 50%, customers can purchase limited edition books, art prints, and photographs at a reasonable price.

The sale is available both in-store and online, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add to your collection.

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