Art Books to Have In Your Library

Are you looking for the perfect gift for an art lover, or have you just finished your book and want to start another? Artsper’s top book picks are made for you! Let yourself be tempted by one of these 8 books – from street art to impressionism to Japanese art, there is something for everyone!

1. Kuniyoshi – Matthi Forrer

Matthi Forrer is the author of several books on Japanese art. In November 2020, he published a 360-page book on the famous Utagawa Kuniyoshi. A great master of woodblock printing, this Japanese artist depicts the landscapes of his country, samurai warriors… In this limited edition Matthi Forrer book, you will find the flagship creations of the artist, a monograph of his career… 

2. Palm Beach – Aerin Lauder 

20th century American designer Aerin Lauder features more than 250 illustrations in her book Palm Beach. Released in 2019, this 272-page book showcases Florida’s best places in photography – whether they be restaurants, stores, villas, Aerin Lauder becomes our tour guide. 

3. A Chronology. 40th Ed. – David Hockney

David Hockney, the celebrated 20th century pop art artist, published a book in 2021 that recounts his life and artworks. This illustrated autobiography includes his famous series on swimming pools, his Yorkshire landscapes, and many of the painter and photographer’s creations. In this book, he tells us what inspires him and the different ways he goes about his work. 

4. All the painted work – Frida Kahlo – Luis-Martin Lozano and Andrea Kettenmann

In 2021, Luis-Martin Lozano and Andrea Kettenmann wrote and published a book about the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. All the Painted Works – Frida Kahlo, is a 624-page book that features all the artist’s artworks. A key individual of the twentieth century, Frida became a feminist icon and a leading painter of her time. In this book you will find her most beautiful paintings. Don’t hesitate to buy this book- it’s worth it- and don’t forget to discover 10 anecdotes to know about Frida Kahlo.

5. Boulevard Paris 13 – Mehdi Ben

Well-known for its numerous graffiti murals, the 13th arrondissement of Paris is frequented by many street artists. The author of this book, Mehdi Ben, gathers each artist present in this Parisian district: we find D Face, Obey, and many other artists. Mehdi Ben tells the making of each graffiti art, so if you missed some creations, you can find them in Boulevard Paris 13, published in 2020. If you are a fan of street art, this book is a must have in your collection! Artsper has also selected the 10 most famous street art works in the world for you.

6. Amazônia – Sebastião Salgado

Published in May 2021, Sebastiao Salgado, the Franco-Brazilian photographer born in 1944, travels through Brazil during 6 long years of his life, photographing along the way to create Amazônia. In this book, he publishes photographs of the most beautiful Brazilian landscapes. Today, he creates many exhibitions about the Amazon rainforest in connection with this book. Experience a total immersion through this book and its pictures of forests, mountains… 

7. Impressionism – Joséphine Le Foll

In 2020, Joséphine Le Foll, a specialist in Renaissance painters, published a book on impressionism. This movement, which appeared in the 1860s with individuals like the famous painter Claude Monet, is characterized by the use of bright colors and the rapid movement of the brush on the canvas. Long shunned by exhibitions, Impressionism is now one of the artistic movements that has played a leading role in the art world.

8. Marilyn & Me – Lawrence Schiller

The American producer Lawrence Schiller, published his photography book of the American star Marilyn Monroe, Marilyn & Me. During one shoot, the star agreed to pose naked for the young photographer Lawrence. More than 150 pictures of Marilyn Monroe are included in this unique book. Discover unpublished and rare portraits in this new edition.

Now you have no excuse not to read! You can also discover 10 unusual contemporary art books on Artsper or our recommendations of the best artist biographies to read. Which one will you choose first?