Bookcase filled with art
Bookcase filled with books about artists
When I write about a bookcase filled with art I mean a shelf filled with books about art. Of course, such books are present in my living room. I like to look at the clean lines of their colourful spines which form a vertical pattern – an image in itself. I often turn to books about my favourite artists. I like books in which the work of a chosen artist is extensively discussed. Where I can read how he lived, and how his work developed. Numerous illustrations of his works from throughout his creative period give an idea of the development of his art. At the same time, the book creates a space in which this artist is present. I feel as if I am entering his studio. It is very exciting and informative.
Popular books about popular artists in my bookcase
Unfortunately, books about the same group of artists are repeated on the publishing market. Publishers do not risk publishing about unknown artists. It is better to “praise the already praised” and repeat well-received and popular themes. Several of the items of this type are on my shelf. I invariably admire the art of Pablo Picasso. For me, he is a giant of innovative form. Whatever he touched – he transformed in his recognisable language of forms.
Books about contemporary artists
Of course, art is still being practised, without respite, by contemporary artists. The outstanding ones have lived to see monographs about themselves in book editions. These publications are not circulated widely and may not be as popular as the ones I mentioned earlier. Books on Giuseppe Penone, Miriam Cahn, or Marlene Dumas – to name my fascinations – are available for purchase in museum or gallery bookshops. When I visit these places, I am overwhelmed by the desire to buy at least half of the books on offer there! It is known that this is impossible. And besides, if I could, I would find it difficult to make choices. Fortunately, the internet makes it possible to see everything “whatever the heart desires” – in the field of art.
Art and literature
Bookshelves filled with art books explore the symbiotic relationship between literature and art. From coffee table books celebrating iconic works of art to anthologies featuring literary critiques of artwork, readers can discover how these two fields have culled and motivated one another over the centuries.
The covers of art books feature the work of an artist. This is logical. Their oeuvre is their brand, it should distinguish the book in question.
I want to write here about how art can be present on the cover of a book in a different way and collaborate and even promote literature. I have the pleasure of cooperating with the German publishing house Klakverlag, which publishes valuable and interesting literature by authors from many countries. The publisher, Jorg Becker asked me to create covers using my graphics and drawings. And here are the books. The choice was made easier for me by the fact that the authors of these books write about women. Female characters are present in my art. I am glad that they have entered the covers of books and can encourage readers to immerse themselves in their stories and poetry.
