PRINT MEDIA | Recommendations
READING MATERIALS
With no shortage of great art books available it can take a great deal of energy just to dig through what’s available to find the gems. Any book added to this list have been personally vetted and excel in some regard. They may offer a comprehensive look at the subject’s body of work, present a unique and compelling perspective, or the publication itself may hold significance as a contribution to the subject’s legacy of work. There are numerous reasons why a book may stand out, but we all can conjure up our own list of books that left their mark on us. The ones we reach for on the shelf time and time again. This list doesn’t provide reviews, but is intended to help you find publications worth acquiring. Provided is a link to the books when available, a brief summary of what makes this book exceptional, and links to any locations in our maps affiliated with the subject. Some publications are out of print and may be challenging to acquire. This list is personal and the artists included are those who influence WROT. There may not be something for everyone in here.
This list will continue to grow over time.
ART:
MATTHEW BARNEY: THE CREMASTER CYCLE
Nancy Spector + Neville Wakefield
A comprehensive look at Matthew Barney’s 5 part film series. Since access to the films is limited, this book offers the most accessible look at the series and is captured beautifully.
GLADSTONE GALLERY
MARINA ABRAMOVIC (PHAIDON CONTMENPORARY ARTISTS SERIES)
Kristine Stiles
Marina Abramovic has been a pioneer in performance arts. Her career has spanned decades, and this book does a great job exploring her body of work. As of writing this, this book is still easily attainable which is rare for a standout publication on such a significant figure.
INTIMATE GEOMETRIES: THE ART AND LIFE OF LOUISE BOURGEOIS
Robert Storr
This book is thick and deep. It digs into the prolific work of Bourgeois, cataloging her life’s work, and thoughtfully presented, this book feels like a labor of love.
FRANCIS BACON
Matthew Gale
This book was created as a companion to an exit at the MET in New York City. This book is realatively easy to come by but it a great comprehensive introduction to Bacon’s work.
GORDON MATTA-CLARK
Thomas Crow + Corinne Diserens
Matta-Clark, changed the way we looked at our spaces, visually the section cut as a physical reality. There are few existing works remaining ( MoMA does have some in it’s collection that are occasionally on view), and most of his work can only be experienced in print. This book does a great job of showcasing a large assembly of pieces while attempting to present 3 dimensional works on paper.
BERLINDE DE BRUYCKERE: THE EMBALMER
Rudolf Sagmeister
Among many great books on Berlinde De Bruyckere’s work this is a favorite. The photo documentation is exceptional and the book includes the perfect balance of thoughtful text, process sketches, final works.
LEE BONTECOU: A RETROSPECTIVE
Elizabeth Smith + Robert Storr
A deep and thoughtful collection of Bontecou’s works. stretching through the artist’s body of work from the beginning. There is a deep catalog of work well documented here.
JAMES TURRELL: A RETROSPECTIVE
Michael Govan + Christine Y. Kim
This book provides a comprehensive look at Turrell’s work. Any book will struggle to capture Turrell’s work as it’s experienced in person, but this one makes a considered attempt. If we’ve seen any of these works in person, seeing them presented here will snap you back to that moment.
MOMA PS1
ARCHITECTURE:
SPECULATIVE COOLNESS
Bryan Cantley
If you’re attracted to architectural drawings and experimental architecture this book will become your new favorite. Cantley is a master at illustrating, injecting depth and intrigue into an historically dry medium.
ANDO: COMPLETE WORKS 1975 - TODAY
Philip Jodidio
The most comprehensive look at Todao Ando’s entire body of work. Projects are presented through evocative photography, technical drawings and concept sketches. If you are drawn to cotemporary concrete architecture this book is a must.
DD 21 DIDIER FIUZA FAUSTINO
Didier Faustino
This book explores a series of projects by Faustino and Buerau Des Mesarchitectures that reconsider architectures relationship to politics, society, and the human body.
KINETIC ARCHITECTURES AND GEOTEXTILE INSTALLATIONS
Philip Beesley
This is one of many great publications by Philip Beesley. If you’re interested in learning more about his work this book is a great place to start. The photo and drawn documentation in this publication are exceptional. If you’re looking for more you should also look at Hylozoic Ground.
THE BLDGBLOG BOOK
Geoff Manaugh
A near constant source of inspiration, BLDGBLOG strings together seemingly disparate professions, fields of study, landscapes, fictional worlds, etc. through the readers personal sense of discovery. Geoff’s ability to tease out the potential for prospective futures can’t help but leave you inspired by a world that now feels more complex and enchanting.
HERZOG & DE MEURON 1989-1991 (2)
Gerhard Mack
One of the most successful firms in scale, scope, and prestige, Herzog & de Mueron’s work with materials, especially in the first half of their career is as inspiring today as it was when it was built.
HERZOG & DE MEURON 1997-2001 (4)
Gerhard Mack
Both 1997-2001 and 1989-1991 present compelling projects, but the entire series which also includes Vol: 1, Vol: 3, Vol:5 and Vol:6 are all worthwhile.
THE NEW CITY
Lebbeus Woods
Lebbeus Woods was a rare talent. A brilliant thinker, world builder, and an unmatched technical artist. His books are a constant source of inspiration and this won’t be the only Woods book to make this list. The large format of this book (15.4” X 11.2”) makes it a feast for the eyes, showing every bit of detail typically lost in smaller printed materials. Most of Wood’s books are out of print and becoming more challenging to acquire but if you happen to find a copy make sure to grab it.
DESIGN:
DESIGN AND THE ELASTIC MIND
Hugh Aldersey-Williams + Peter Hall
This book is an assembly of projects that dive deep into experiments at the fringes of biology, technology, art, and design. While this book is nearly 20 years old, the projects inside still feel fresh and innovative.
DIETER RAMS: AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE
Sophie Lovell
Dieter Rams is one of the most influential product designers of the 20th century. Now 60+ years on from the onset of his career his designs still reverberate through our world. This book meticulously catalogs Rams entire career, and if you a interested in industrial design this book is the best place to start.
RICK OWENS: FURNITURE
Rick Owens
Rick Owens’ design abilities don’t end with fashion. This publication on the brand’s furniture creations show a confident control of minimalist forms and an innovative use of materials. The work is beautifully presented and if you admire Rick Owen’s esthetic this book will b e a welcome addition.
BIO DESIGN: NATURE + SCIENCE + CREATIVITY
William Myers
A rich exploration through a myriad of projects related to bio design. I feel honored to have a project included in the publication, however this is one I would recommend regardless. It was revised and expanded in 2018.
FASHION:
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN: SAVAGE BEAUTY
Andrew Bolton
One of the most influential contemporary fashion designers, Alexander McQueen reshaped the industry in a life cut short. Following his death the MET organized a solo exhibit on the designer’s work, and this is the publication for that exhibit. This books does a great work of profiling McQueen’s career and best of all it’s widely available.
RICK OWENS
Rick Owens + Danielle Levitt
One of the great designers of our time, Rick Owens is raw, layered, structured, reckless and careful. Nothing is done without intention. Danielle Levitt has beautifully captured his work in this book, and if you are looking for more you can pick up the follow up titled More Rick Owens.
REI KAWAKUBO/COMME DES GARCON: ART OF THE IN-BETWEEN
Andrew Bolton
Rei Kawakubo and Rick Owens are arguably the two most important living fashion designers. This book was created for the MET exhibit of the same name. The work is carefully presented and in-depth. Similar to Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (also by Andrew Bolton) this book is still easily found but well worth it.
HUSSEIN CHALAYAN
Robert Violette
Exploring Chalayan’s career up to the date of publication (2011), this book gives a deep dive into the innovation and experimental works of the designer. This book is the best resource available for Chalayan, and with each passing year it get’s harder to acquire.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
WOLFGANG TILLMANS: TO LOOK WITHOUT FEAR
Roxana Marcoci + Clement Cheroux
Wolfgang Tillmans’ photography spans a wide range of subject matter and photographic styles, yet somehow is always easily identified as his style. This book which captures the work from a MoMA exhibit of the same name thoughtfully presents the artist’s work.
JUERGEN TELLER: DONKEY MAN AND OTHER STORIES
Juergen Teller
Juergen Teller’s ad hoc, raw, and instantly recognizable style reshaped editorial photography. This book, by the artist is filled with hundreds of pages of iconic images that won’t easily escape your mind.