What an exciting April! A new shipment of books have arrived and I’m blown away by this eclectic range. From a stunning new installment of the Vitamin series, to a fabulous collection of Elena Ferrante’s novels and more in between— our shelves will knock you off your feet!
Here’s a small peek of what we have in store for you. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so!
The Philosophy of Tattoos
R250
Tattooing is an ancient practice with profound religious and cultural significance. While western tattooing centres on three main traditions – Polynesian, Japanese and Euro-American — it has been recorded more or less everywhere.
Beginning with the birth of the tattoo, John Miller explores this unique expression of personal, cultural and national identity, the tension between tattoo’s status as a fashion item and its roots in subculture, and the relevance of magic — a crucial part of tattooing’s origins — in contemporary society.
Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
R900
Published to coincide with an exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art organized by The Costume Institute, this stunning book includes a preface by Andrew Bolton; an introduction by Susannah Frankel; an interview by Tim Blanks with Sarah Burton, creative director of the house of Alexander McQueen; illuminating quotes from the designer himself; provocative and captivating new photography by renowned photographer Sølve Sundsbø; and a lenticular cover by Gary James McQueen.
Kahlo
R270
The arresting pictures of Frida Kahlo (1907–54) were in many ways expressions of trauma. Through a near-fatal road accident at the age of 18, failing health, a turbulent marriage, miscarriage and childlessness, she transformed the afflictions into revolutionary art.
Basquiat
R375
Despite his early death, Basquiat’s powerful ouvre has ensured his continuing reputation as one of modern art’s most distinctive voices. Borrowing from graffiti and street imagery, cartoons, mythology and religious symbolism, Basquiat’s drawings and paintings explore issues of race and identity, providing social commentary that is shrewdly observed and biting. This bestselling book, now available in a compact edition, celebrates Basquiat’s achievements in the contexts of the key influences on his art. It not only re-evaluates the artist’s principal works and their meaning, but also explains what keeps his painting relevant today. Unabridged compact edition of a critically acclaimed book, featuring spectacular reproductions of Basquiat’s work.
A Dictionary of Color Combinations
R420
Based on his original 6-volume work from the 1930s, this book offers 348 color combinations, as attractive and sensuous as the books own design.
Vitamin T: Threads and Textiles in Contemporary Art
R800
Celebrating tapestry, embroidery, stitching, textiles, knitting, and knotting as used by visual artists worldwide, leading curators, critics, and art professionals have nominated more than 100 global living artists for inclusion in this stunning and wide-ranging survey. As boundaries between art and craft have blurred, artists have increasingly embraced these materials and methods, with the resulting works being coveted by collectors and exhibited in museums worldwide. A vital handbook for collectors and contemporary-art followers, this acclaimed and ground-breaking survey is a vibrant and incredibly timely survey.
My Brilliant Friend (TV tie-in)
R250
A modern masterpiece from one of Italy’s most acclaimed authors, My Brilliant Friend is a rich, intense and generous hearted story about two friends, Elena and Lila. Ferrante’s inimitable style lends itself perfectly to a meticulous portrait of these two women that is also the story of a nation and a touching meditation on the nature of friendship. Through the lives of these two women, Ferrante tells the story of a neighbourhood, a city and a country as it is transformed in ways that, in turn, also transform the relationship between her two protagonists.
Ferrari: Dennis Adler
R875
Celebrate 75 years of Ferrari with this complete, fascinating, and stunningly illustrated history highlighting the company’s legendary sports cars and their worldwide influence.
Alice in Wonderland: Curiouser and Curiouser
R790
This book explores the global impact of Alice in Wonderland across art, design and performance from the 19th century to today. It shows how Alice has been re-imagined and reinterpreted by each new generation: from the original illustrations by John Tenniel to artwork by Salvador Dali, and from the 1951 Disney movie to Tim Burton’s latest interpretation.
Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is a cultural phenomenon. First published in 1865, it has never been out of print and has been translated into 170 languages. But why does it have such enduring and universal appeal for both adults and children?
This book explores the global impact of Alice in Wonderland across art, design and performance from the nineteenth century to today. It shows how Alice has been re-imagined and reinterpreted by each new generation: from the original illustrations by John Tenniel to artwork by Peter Blake and Salvador Dali, and from the 1951 Disney movie to Tim Burton’s latest interpretation.
This beautiful, playful publication also includes specially commissioned interactive illustrations by award-winning artist Kristjana S. Williams, as well as insights from an array of cultural stars – from Stephen Fry to Tim Walker, Ralph Steadman to Heston Blumenthal – into the profound influence of Alice on their life and work.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude. L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped
R625
Like most of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s work, L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped is temporary and runs for 16 days from Saturday, September 18 to Sunday, October 3, 2021. Carried out in close collaboration with the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, the historic structure is wrapped in recyclable polypropylene fabric in silvery blue and recyclable red rope. The project is the posthumous realization of a long-held dream for Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who first drew up plans to wrap the Arc de Triomphe in 1961 while renting a small room near the monument.
Feast your eyes, quench the mind and be inspired by this fabulous new collection. There’s more where that came from! Stay tuned for the next feature of our new arrivals.