An artist's book serves as a form of artistic expression inspired by the concept of a book. Its artistic merit lies in the creative elements such as illustration, material selection, creation process, and design.

Below is a curated list of art books released this year, encompassing artist monographs, surveys, historical reflections, and evidence supporting the belief that art genuinely contributes to improving the world.

All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley

The book reveals the bustling life within the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It delves into the personal journey of Patrick Bringley, a guard who unexpectedly finds solace and purpose within the museum's walls during a challenging period in his life. Initially seeking refuge from the hardships of his brother's death due to a fatal illness, Bringley transforms from a silent observer to an active participant in the museum's vibrant subculture. As he forges connections with colleagues and the art itself, the narrative depicts the museum as a unique sanctuary, reflecting the best aspects of the larger world from which he gradually and gratefully returns.

Ways of Life: Jim Ede and the Kettle's Yard Artists by Laura Freeman

The lives of Jim Ede and the Kettle's Yard artists mark a pivotal moment in twentieth-century modernism. Figures like Ben and Winifred Nicholson, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Alfred Wallis, and Henri Gaudier-Brzeska were not cohesive. Still, Jim Ede recognized a shared essence in their work. Ede's influence persists, shaping our understanding of art and modern living. He was a multifaceted figure-collector, dealer, critic, and, most importantly, a friend to artists. 

Lavinia Fontana: Trailblazer, Rule Breaker by Aoife Brady

'Lavinia Fontana: Trailblazer, Rule Breaker' delves into the life of the Renaissance artist Lavinia Fontana, exploring her achievements, the cultural context, and her unique position as a successful woman artist. The book uncovers tales of family, relationships, and Fontana's career in a male-dominated era, focusing  on her portraiture.

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An Atlas of Es Devlin by Es Devlin

Es Devlin's diverse artistic work is deeply rooted in a lifelong practice of reading and drawing. She crafts advanced, collectively imagined universes from sketches in text margins, leading to iconic large-scale installations and stage designs for renowned cultural events and performances globally. Her personal and collective art engages with biodiversity, linguistic diversity, and communal participation in transformative choral works.

Monet: The Restless Vision by Jackie Wullschläger

The founder of Impressionism, Claude Monet, revolutionized painting with iconic images despite ridicule in his early career. This biography unveils his turbulent private life, obsessions, and transformative art, offering a rich and moving exploration of his passionate experiences and profound artistic achievements.

Giacometti in Paris by Michael Peppiatt

'Giacometti in Paris' chronicles Alberto Giacometti's life in 1922 Paris, influenced by artists, writers, and the city's ambiance. Michael Peppiatt explores Giacometti's relationships, artistic struggles, and personal experiences, providing an intimate portrait of an exceptional artist in extraordinary times.

Looking at Picasso by Pepe Karmel

'Looking at Picasso' offers an introductory monograph on Pablo Picasso's unparalleled artistic achievements, coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of his death. Pepe Karmel focuses on Picasso's works, exploring the evolution of the artist's style over seven decades and introducing visual languages that transformed modern art.

Thunderclap: A Memoir of Art and Life and Sudden Death by Laura Cumming

Laura Cumming, an art critic and historian, weaves a narrative around the Thunderclap, a 1654 explosion in Delft that killed painter Carel Fabritius. In this book, Cumming explores this event's impact on art history and intertwines it with personal reflections on her father, also a painter. The story connects various elements, from the country to the most minor details, emphasizing the profound influence of paintings on our thoughts and understanding of the world.

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