Best Art Books Of 2012: Our List Of The Year's 50 Greatest Creative ...

Weiwei-isms

TITLE: <a href="http://press.princeton.edu/titles/9924.html">Weiwei-isms</a> SUMMARY: A pocket-sized collection of Ai Weiwei's infamously short quips, collected from tweets, articles and interviews. PERFECT FOR: Dissidents-in-training, Ai fans and anyone with a Twitter handle. Released by <a href="http://press.princeton.edu/">Princeton University Press</a> in December 2012. (Read more about 'Weiwei-isms' <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/28/ai-weiwei-book_n_2198776.html">here</a>)

Erik Parker: Colorful Resistance

TITLE: <a href="http://www.rizzoliusa.com/book.php?isbn=9780847838943">Erik Parker: Colorful Resistance</a> TOPIC: The comic-graffiti art of Erik Parker SUMMARY: A compilation of over two hundred pages of Parker's loud and garish art -- neon psychedelica mixed with a good measure of political and social rebellion. PERFECT FOR: Hardened hippies, political artists and people who listen to the Beastie Boys. Released by <a href="http://www.rizzoliusa.com/">Rizzoli </a>on July 2012 (Read more about "Erik Parker" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/17/erik-parker-colorful_n_1676935.html">here</a>)

Today's Special

TITLE: <a href="http://store.oh-wow.com/item.html/1363097">Today's Special</a> SUMMARY: A series of photographs by Julia Ziegler-Haynes that explores the unsettling emotions of last requests, depicting the final meals of 24 sentenced inmates on the eve of their execution. PERFECT FOR: People who are ready to debate the morality of the death penalty, or want to seriously consider their last meal. Released by <a href="http://store.oh-wow.com/">OHWOW</a> in August 2012. (Read more about "Today's Special" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/14/artist-and-chef-julia-zie_n_1773210.html">here</a>)

THE ART BOOK

TITLE: <a href="http://www.phaidon.com/store/art/the-art-book-new-edition-9780714864679/">The Art Book</a> SUMMARY: The anthology of art over the ages provides an image heavy overview of masterworks -- sans classification. Simply organized in alphabetical order, the gigantic art reference features over 500 works, tossing together the various movements, periods and schools in an impressive visual display that had never been attempted in this particular way before. PERFECT FOR: Art history nerds, obsessive compulsive organizers and people with significant upper arm strength. Released by <a href="http://www.phaidon.com/agenda/">Phaidon Press</a> in October 2012. (Read more about "The Art Book" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/28/new-edition-of-the-art-bo_n_1834309.html">here</a>)

Artists in Love

TITLE: <a href="http://www.welcomebooks.com/artistsinlove/">Artists in Love</a> SUMMARY: A celebration of the romantic side of art, detailing some of the most famous couples in creative history, including everyone from Alfred Stieglitz and Georgia O'Keeffe to Christo and Jeanne-Claude. PERFECT FOR: Romantics, couples in committed relationships and serious Marina Abramovic fans. Released by <a href="http://www.welcomebooks.com/">Welcome Books</a> in October 2012. (Read more about "Artists in Love" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/10/artists-in-love-the-famou_n_1952304.html">here)</a>

Mark Rothko, The Decisive Decade: 1940-1950

TITLE: <a href="http://www.rizzoliusa.com/book.php?isbn=9780847839001">Mark Rothko, The Decisive Decade: 1940-1950</a> SUMMARY: The work examines what art critics claim is the formative period of art making for the great 20th century painter. It was during this period that Rothko's expressive figurative and surrealist depictions transformed into the blocks of reds, yellows and blues that became his signature style. PERFECT FOR: Rothko-ites, artsy dads and anyone who doesn't suffer from color-blindness. Released by <a href="http://www.rizzoliusa.com/">Rizzoli</a> New York in September 2012 (Read more about "Mark Rotko: The Decisive Decade" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/25/happy-birthday-mark-rothk_n_1911001.html">here</a>)

Defining Contemporary Art - 25 Years in 200 Pivotal Works

TITLE: <a href="http://www.phaidon.com/store/art/defining-contemporary-art-9780714862095/">Defining Contemporary Art - 25 Years in 200 Pivotal Works</a> SUMMARY: Written by eight of the art world?s leading curators, the book encompasses 200 decisive works of art from the last quarter century. PERFECT FOR: Art history buffs, curators-in-training and collectors. Released by <a href="http://www.phaidon.com/agenda/">Phaidon Press</a> in July 2013. (Read more about "Defining Contemporary Art" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/08/defining-contemporary-art_n_1500677.html">here</a>)

Nostalgia

TITLE: <a href="http://usshop.gestalten.com/catalog/product/view/id/4940">Nostalgia</a> SUMMARY: The book is a collection of vintage, color photographs taken by Sergei Prokudin-Gorskii in the early 20th century that recount czarist Russia. Think Instagram meets imperial history. PERFECT FOR: Slavophiles, your Russian grandmother and Instagrammers. Released by <a href="http://usshop.gestalten.com/">Gestalten Press</a> in September 2012 (Read more about "Nostalgia" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/30/czarist-russia-in-color-p_n_1920960.html">here</a>)

Information Graphics

TITLE: <a href="http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/design/all/04984/facts.information_graphics.htm">Information Graphics</a> SUMMARY: A survey of visual communications over the years, from caveman drawings to contemporary graphic designers. Includes over 200 projects and over 400 examples of contemporary information graphics from all over the world?ranging from journalism to art, government, education, and business. PERFECT FOR: Design nerds, hip computer science students and lovers of unique coffee table books. Released by <a href="http://www.taschen.com/">Taschen</a> in April 2012. (Read more about "Information Graphics" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/27/taschen-book-information_n_1453739.html">here</a>)

Passengers

TITLE: <a href="http://www.twinpalms.com/?p=forthcoming&bookID=182">Passengers</a> SUMMARY: The book features a series of grainy, black-and-white photographs of anonymous passengers taken by artist John Schabel through the porthole windows of airplanes. Schabel positioned his telephoto lens 100 yards away to capture the faces of his unsuspecting travelers. PERFECT FOR: Voyeurs, photographers and wayward travelers. Released by <a href="http://www.twinpalms.com/?p=welcome">Twin Palms Publishers</a> in December 2012. (Read more about "Passengers" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/04/john-schnabels-passengers-portraits-book_n_2236838.html#slide=1836024"> here</a>)

Pretty Ugly

TITLE: <a href="http://usshop.gestalten.com/pretty-ugly.html">Pretty Ugly</a> SUMMARY: The book takes the idea that "all profoundly original art looks ugly at first" to another level. It highlights the last several years of contemporary design, when artists began to rebel against all general appeal, and instead ventured into new artistic styles that were truly unattractive. PERFECT FOR: Furniture designers, hipster cousins and lovers of quirky typography. Released by <a href="http://usshop.gestalten.com/">Gestalten</a> in April 2012. (Read more about "Pretty Ugly" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/23/pretty-ugly-visual-rebellion-in-design_n_1537331.html">here</a>)

The Kiss: A Celebration of Love in Art

TITLE: <a href="http://www.rizzoliusa.com/book.php?isbn=9782080200983">The Kiss: A Celebration of Love in Art</a> SUMMARY: From ancient reliefs and medieval frescoes to the imaginations of early photographers and pop art fiends, the 256-page guide includes over a hundred different iterations of the lip lock. PERFECT FOR: Significant others, art students and those who can't get enough of Gustav Klimt. Released by <a href="http://www.rizzoliusa.com/">Rizzoli Press</a> in September 2012 (Read more about "The Kiss" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/05/the-kiss-a-celebration-of_n_1854535.html">here</a>)

This Must Be The Place

TITLE: <a href="http://www.randomhouse.de/Buch/Pieter-Hugo-This-Must-Be-The-Place/Pieter-Hugo/e404019.rhd">This Must Be The Place</a> SUMMARY: A retrospective of photographer Pieter Hugo that reads like a flip-book documentary of several African countries, combining photojournalistic qualities with portraiture theatricality. PERFECT FOR: World travelers, photography fiends and sociology students. Released by <a href="http://www.randomhouse.de/prestel/">Prestel</a> in March 2012. (Read more about "This Must Be The Place" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/18/peiter-hugo-this-must-be-the-place_n_1524438.html">here</a>)

Silhouettes From Popular Culture

TITLE: <a href="http://titanbooks.com/silhouettes-from-popular-culture-6639/">Silhouettes From Popular Culture</a> SUMMARY: Designer Olly Moss takes the 18th century artform of silhouettes for a quirky ride through contemporary film, recreating the most iconic characters of the silver screen. PERFECT FOR: Pop culture fiends, design devotees and lovers of all things monochromatic. Released by <a href="http://titanbooks.com/">Titan Books</a> in October 2012. (Read more about "Silhouettes from Popular Culture" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/26/guess-the-pop-culture-ico_n_2017800.html#quiz_5204">here</a>)

Abhaya: Burma's Fearlessness

TITLE: <a href="http://www.riverbooksbk.com/book/abhaya">Abhaya: Burma's Fearlessness</a> SUMMARY: The book showcases portraits of 300 Burmese dissidents who served prison sentences as a result of their political activities. The portraits, taken by James Mackay, feature an array of well-known and underground activists, each one holding their hand in the traditional Buddhist gesture of "Abhaya Mudra", displaying names of friends, family members or fellow activists who remain in detention today. PERFECT FOR: Activists, photojournalists and newshounds. Released by <a href="http://www.riverbooksbk.com/">River Books</a> in November 2012. (Read more about "Abhaya: Burma's Fearlessness" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/19/james-mackay-burma_n_1987551.html">here</a>.)

Fire in the Belly: The Life and Times of David Wojnarowicz

TITLE: <a href="http://www.bloomsbury.com/us/fire-in-the-belly-9781596915336">Fire in the Belly: The Life and Times of David Wojnarowicz</a> SUMMARY: A biography of David Wojnarowicz, the artist, writer and AIDS activist behind the controversial film "Fire in My Belly," which was removed from the National Gallery of Art at the behest of angry protesters. PERFECT FOR: LGBT activists, young artists and anti-establishment friends. Released by <a href="http://www.bloomsbury.com/us/">Bloomsbury Publishing</a> in July 2012. (Read more about "Fire in the Belly" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/17/a-fire-in-my-belly_n_1677664.html">here</a>)

Book of Books

TITLE: <a href="http://www.phaidon.com/the-book-of-books/">Book of Books</a> SUMMARY: A collectable two-volume set of 83 iPhoto books by Stephen Shore, set in chronological order starting from his first project in 2003 and ending five years later. PERFECT FOR: People willing to spend $2,500 on a single book. Released by <a href="http://www.phaidon.com/register/">Phaidon Press</a> in July 2013. (Read more about "Book of Books" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/03/stephen-shores-2500-book-_n_1596946.html">here</a>)

The Art of Not Making

TITLE: <a href="http://thamesandhudsonusa.com/books/the-art-of-not-making-softcover/">The Art Of Not Making</a> SUMMARY: Using examples from a wide range of media, Michael Petry presents the art of over 115 contemporary artists who have one thing in common: they do not make their own work. PERFECT FOR: Fans of Kiki Smith, Damien Hirst, Ai Weiwei and Chris Burden. Released by <a href="http://thamesandhudsonusa.com/">Thames & Hudson</a> in February 2012. (Read more about "The Art of Not Making" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/30/the-art-of-not-making-michael-petry_n_1241742.html">here</a>)

Life

TITLE: <a href="http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/photography/all/45714/facts.frans_lanting_life.htm">Life</a> SUMMARY: A photographic survey of the world by Dutch photographer Frans Lantin. PERFECT FOR: Environmental nerds, 35 mm photographers and anyone who salivates over nature porn. Re-released by <a href="http://www.taschen.com/">Taschen</a> in July 2012. (Read more about "<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/03/frans-lantings-mesmerizin_n_1634420.html">Life</a>" here)

Time And Place

TITLE: <a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/Books/Steven_Gambrel-9781419700682.html">Time And Place</a> SUMMARY: Showcases the interior stylings of New York designer Steve Gambrel. PERFECT FOR: Interior designers, new homeowners and people who watch reality shows about luxury real estate. Released by <a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/">Abrams Books</a> in April 2012. (Read more about "Time and Place" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/01/steven-gambrel_n_1465923.html">here</a>)

100 Interiors from Around the World

TITLE: <a href="http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/lifestyle/all/04985/facts.100_interiors_around_the_world_2_vols.htm">100 Interiors from Around the World</a> SUMMARY: An incredible new two-volume compilation that gives a glimpse into the world's most beautifully curated interior spaces from around the globe. PERFECT FOR: Globe trotters, interior decorators and friends who long for a pied-a-terre in Marrakesh. Released by Taschen in July 2012. (Read more about "100 Interiors from Around the World" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/10/taschens-100-interiors_n_1659367.html">here</a>)

The Naked Nude

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Naked-Nude-Frances-Borzello/dp/0500238928">The Naked Nude</a> SUMMARY: An in-depth look at our contemporary and historical fixation with ?the body and the nude. PERFECT FOR: Art students, classy perverts and that special someone in your life. Released by Thames and Hudson in October 2012.

Rise of the Videogame Zinesters: How Freaks, Normals, Amateurs, Artists, Dreamers, Dropouts, Queers, Housewives, and People Like You Are Taking Back an Art Form

TITLE: <a href="http://catalog.sevenstories.com/products/rise-of-the-videogame">Rise of the Videogame Zinesters: How Freaks, Normals, Amateurs, Artists, Dreamers, Dropouts, Queers, Housewives, and People Like You Are Taking Back an Art Form</a> SUMMARY: An exploration of the cultural power of digital games and their potential to impact our art in new and surprising ways. PERFECT FOR: Well, it says it right there on the cover, doesn't it? Released by <a href="http://www.sevenstories.com/">Seven Stories Press</a> in March 2012 (Read more about "Rise of the Videogame Zinesters: How Freaks, Normals, Amateurs, Artists, Dreamers, Dropouts, Queers, Housewives, and People Like You Are Taking Back an Art Form" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/15/anna-anthropy-taking-back-video-games_n_1347617.html">here</a>)

Mid-Century Ads: Advertising from the Mad Men Era

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mid-Century-Ads-Advertising-Mad/dp/3836528347">Mid-Century Ads: Advertising from the Mad Men Era</a> SUMMARY: An in-depth look into an era of advertising that was run by and for men in a period of artfully colorful capitalism. PERFECT FOR: Don Draper devotees, budding ad men and lovers all things 1960s. Released by <a href="http://www.taschen.com/">Taschen</a> in April 2012. (Read more about "Mid-Century Ads: Advertising from the Mad Men Era" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/27/taschen-shows-off-ads_n_1354276.html">here</a>)

To the Past

TITLE: <a href="http://littlebigmanbooks.com/products/to-the-past">To the Past</a> SUMMARY: A retrospective of Japanese artist Nobuyoshi Araki, featuring black-and-white photographs that date back to 1979. PERFECT FOR: Bondage fans with a sense of humor. Released by <a href="http://littlebigmanbooks.com/">Little Big Man</a> in August 2012. (Read more about "To the Past" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/23/prolific-japanese-photogr_n_1822650.html">here</a>)

Jay Defeo

TITLE: <a href="http://yalepress.yale.edu/book.asp?isbn=9780300182651">Jay Defeo</a> SUMMARY: A retrospective of Jay DeFeo, a member of the avant-garde community in San Francisco during the 1950s and 1960s. PERFECT FOR: Beat enthusiasts, Bay Area exiles, and fans of postwar American art. Released by <a href="http://yalepress.yale.edu/yupbooks/home.asp">Yale University Press</a> in November 2012. (Read more about "Jay Defeo" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/16/jay-defeo-a-retrospective_n_2118636.html">here</a>) IMAGE: Jay DeFeo, Landscape with Figure, 1955; oil on canvas; 18 x 14 in. (45.7 x 35.6 cm); Private collection; ? 2012 The Jay DeFeo Trust / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, photo: Ben Blackwell

Deborah Kass: Before and Happily Ever After

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deborah-Kass-Before-Happily-After/dp/0847839184">Deborah Kass: Before and Happily Ever After</a> SUMMARY: A book made to accompany a retrospective of Deborah Kass's work at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. The exhibition featured approximately 75 of Kass' works spanning the past three-decades of her career. PERFECT FOR: Pop art fans, quirky portrait lovers and anyone who appreciates appropriation. Released by Skira Rizzoli in November 2012 (Read more about "Deborah Kass: Before and Happily Ever After" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/26/deborah-kass-on-appropria_n_2024515.html">here</a>)

Drawing Surrealism

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Surrealism-Leslie-Jones/dp/3791352393">Drawing Surrealism</a> SUMMARY: The book includes brilliant reproductions of drawings and other works by more than 100 artists, accompanied by a substantial historical essay on Surrealism. PERFECT FOR: Fans of Surrealists in Japan, Central Europe, and the Americas. Released by Prestel in October 2012.

Baroque: Theatrum Mundi

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baroque-Theatrum-Mundi-World-Work/dp/3848000393">Baroque: Theatrum Mundi, The World as a Work of Art</a> SUMMARY: A tour of the iconic structures of the Baroque era including St. Peter?s Basilica and The Palace of Versailles. There are magnificent libraries, halls of science, lush gardens, exquisite works of porcelain and illusionistic paintings, to name but a few highlights of this massive book. PERFECT FOR: History buffs, architecture nerds and people who truly love Italy. Released by <a href="http://www.book2look.com/book/VtNGxWVxHN">Ullman Publishing</a> in October 2012.

Gothic: Visual Art of the Middle Ages

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gothic-Visual-Middle-Ages-1150-1500/dp/3848000407">Gothic: Visual Art of the Middle Ages, 1140 ? 1500</a> SUMMARY: The historical counterpart to "Baroque", the hefty "Gothic" features the outstanding treasures of medieval imagery, including religious panel paintings, Madonna statues, illumination and goldsmith art. PERFECT FOR: History buffs, fans of religious art and people who seriously love medieval Europe. Released by <a href="http://www.book2look.com/book/Igh75QSuuO">Ullman Publishing</a> in October 2012.

In Almost Every Picture

TITLE: <a href="http://www.kesselskramerpublishing.com/">In Almost Every Picture</a> SUMMARY: The latest installment of Erik Kessel's long running book series of found photography. This one features pictures taken by Fred Clark, a doting husband who enjoys snapping shots of his wife in water. Yes, this is real. PERFECT FOR: Friends who buy other people's Polaroids at thrift stores. Released by <a href="http://www.kesselskramerpublishing.com/">Kessel Kramer</a> in October 2012. (Read more about "In Almost Every Picture" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/22/erik-kessels-fred-clark_n_2001751.html">here</a>)

Glittering Images

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glittering-Images-Journey-Through-Egypt/dp/0375424601">Glittering Images</a> SUMMARY: An anti-art history coffee table book from Camille Paglia, queen of contentious cultural criticism. PERFECT FOR: People who are critical of feminism, anyone weary of contemporary art and defenders of George Lucas's genius. Released by <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/book/126100/glittering-images-by-camille-paglia">Random House</a> in October 2012. (Read more about "Glittering Images" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/07/camille-paglias-glitterin_n_2042904.html">here</a>)

Bauhaus: Art as Life

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/3863351630">Bauhaus: Art as Life</a> SUMMARY: A 14-year history of the modern world's most famous art school, Bauhaus. PERFECT FOR: Lovers of Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee and utopian motifs. Released by Walther K?nig in August 2012.

Barry McGee

TITLE: <a href="http://www.artbook.com/9781935202851.html">Barry McGee</a> SUMMARY: A combination art book and a retrospective that celebrates Bay Area street artist Barry McGee. PERFECT FOR: Street art aficianados and fans of Ray Fong, Twist and Twisto (aka Barry McGee). Released by <a href="http://www.artbook.com/">Art Book</a> in October 2012. (Read more about "Barry McGee" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/18/san-francisco-graffiti-le_n_1891018.html">here</a>) IMAGE: Barry McGee: Untitled, 2005; acrylic on glass bottles, wire; dimensions variable; Lindemann Collection, Miami Beach. Photo: Colin M. Day

Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes

TITLE: Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes SUMMARY: A look into the Wari, ancient peoples who inhabited the Andes region and incorporated an array of folk art into their political and religious routines. PERFECT FOR: Art history buffs, Latin American studies majors and lovers of ancient folk art. Released by Thames & Hudson in November 2012.

Titian: His Life

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Titian-His-Life-Sheila-Hale/dp/006059876X">Titian: His Life</a> SUMMARY: A portrait of the complex artist that was Titian. PERFECT FOR: Renaissance lovers, art historians and people who enjoy reading weighty biographies with sexy covers. Released by Harper Press in November 2012.

Presence

TITLE: <a href="http://presence-photos.com/">Presence</a> SUMMARY: Photographer Chris Buck embarked on a peculiar photographic journey with his new book, snapping shots of big name celebs hiding out of sight. We are left only with the promise that they are there, and possibly the faint aura of their famous presence. PERFECT FOR: The privacy-loving celebrity in your life. Released by <a href="http://www.artbooksheidelberg.com/html/en/recent_publications.html">Kehrer Verlag</a> in September 2012. (Read more about "Presence" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/29/can-you-spot-a-star-chris_n_1835780.html">here</a>) IMAGE: Amy Poehler by Chris Buck

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland

TITLE: <a href="http://www.penguin.co.uk/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780141197302,00.html">Alice's Adventures In Wonderland</a> SUMMARY: "I, Kusama, am the modern Alice in Wonderland." So begins artist Yayoi Kusama's visionary take on Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland," the iconic tale of an imaginative girl's world gone topsy-turvy. PERFECT FOR: People with a penchant for polka-dots, contemporary art and 19th century psychedelic literature. Released by <a href="http://www.penguin.co.uk/">Penguin</a> in February 2012. (Read more about "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/18/yayoi-kusamas-illustrated_n_1434575.html">here</a>)

Os G?meos

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Os-Gemeos-Pedro-Alonzo/dp/1584235012">Os Gemeos</a> SUMMARY: The book celebrates Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo, better known by their collective name, Os G?meos (the Portuguese word for "twins"), who claim to be inspired by colors and images that appear in their shared dreams. PERFECT FOR: Anyone interested in street art, surreal characters and strong sibling bonds. Released by Gingko Press in July 2012. (Read more about "Os Gemeos" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/18/street-artists-os-gemeos_n_1676545.html">here</a>)

Alternative Histories

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alternative-Histories-York-Spaces-1960-2010/dp/0262017962">Alternative Histories, New York Art Spaces, 1960-2010</a> SUMMARY: Developed from an exhibition of the same name, the book chronicles alternative art spaces in New York City since the 1960s. PERFECT FOR: Manhattanites, contemporary art fiends and nostalgic art professors. Released by MIT Press in September 2012.

Las Mujeres Flores

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eunice-Adorno-Las-Mujeres-Flores/dp/8415303335">Las Mujeres Flores</a> SUMMARY: A photographic series of Mennonites living in Mexico. PERFECT FOR: Photographers, world religion students and your fondest trivia-obsessed friend. Released by La Fabrica in March 2012. (Read more about "Las Mujeres Flores" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/23/photographer-captures-mennonite-women_n_1296569.html">here</a>)

100 Contemporary Houses

TITLE: <a href="http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/architecture/all/44928/facts.100_contemporary_houses.htm">100 Contemporary Houses</a> SUMMARY: This two-volume publication rounds up 100 of the world?s most interesting and pioneering homes from the past decade, featuring a host of talents both new and established, including John Pawson, Richard Meier, and Shigeru Ban. PERFECT FOR: Fans of avant-garde abodes, international design and architects beyond Frank Lloyd Wright. Released by <a href="http://www.taschen.com/">Taschen</a> in March 2012. (Read more about "100 Contemporary Houses" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/09/taschens-100-contemporary_n_1332764.html">here</a>)

150 Years of Photojournalism

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Journalism-Getty-Images/dp/3848000628">150 Years of Photojournalism</a> SUMMARY: Just like it sounds, the book is an anthology of Getty images over the last century and a half. PERFECT FOR: Aspiring photojournalists, political junkies and students of the present. Released by Ullmann Publishing in November 2012.

Modern Living Accessories:100 Years of Design

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Living-Accessories-English-Edition/dp/3848000415">Modern Living Accessories:100 Years of Design</a> SUMMARY: Over 500 pages of design trends since the mid 19th century. PERFECT FOR: People who like sleek kitchenware or who spend a lot of time on the 3rd floor at MoMA. Released by Ullmann Publishing in November 2012.

Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hajj-Journey-Heart-Venetia-Porter/dp/0674062183">Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam</a> SUMMARY: Through a wealth of illustrations including pilgrims? personal objects, souvenirs, and maps, the book offers a glimpse into the important holy rite known as Hajj. PERFECT FOR: Spiritual friends and international art admirers. Released by <a href="http://harvardpress.typepad.com/hup_publicity/2012/03/hajj-journey-to-the-heart-of-islam.html">Harvard University Press</a> in March 2012.

The Image of Black in Western Art

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Image-Black-Western-Art-Revolution/dp/0674052595">The Image of Black in Western Art</a> SUMMARY: The installation is the fourth volume in a series of books that address the depiction of race and identity in American and European art. PERFECT FOR: Art history buffs, sociology students and politically conscious friends. Released by Harvard University Press in May 2012.

The Lady in Gold: The Extraordinary Tale of Gustav Klimt's Masterpiece, `Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Lady-Gold-Extraordinary-ebook/dp/B0050DIWGQ">The Lady in Gold: The Extraordinary Tale of Gustav Klimt's Masterpiece, `Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer</a> SUMMARY: The story of the Viennese Jewish salon hostess who sat for it Gustav Klimt's iconic painting, the notorious artist himself and the now vanished turn-of-the-century Vienna. PERFECT FOR: Fans of artist biographies, behind-the-scenes stories and the gilded master, Gustav Klimt. Released by <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/book/123242/the-lady-in-gold-by-anne-marie-oconnor">Random House</a> in February 2012. (Read more about "The Lady in Gold: The Extraordinary Tale of Gustav Klimt's Masterpiece, `Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/08/author-tells-tale-of-gustav-klimt-painting_n_1262295.html">here</a>)

Paris versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paris-versus-New-York-Cities/dp/0143120255">Paris versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities</a> SUMMARY: A combination of visually striking graphics and quippy taglines that celebrate the tantalizing details of each urban center. PERFECT FOR: Manhattanites, Parisians and globe trotters who enjoy both locations. Released by Penguin in January 2012.

100 Ideas That Changed Art

TITLE: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/100-Ideas-that-Changed-Art/dp/1856697959">100 Ideas That Changed Art</a> SUMMARY: From cave paintings to modern day graffiti and all the fine art in between, this anthology chronicles the 100 most influential ideas that have shaped the world of art. PERFECT FOR: Art historians, people who like lists and anyone with a thing for typology. Released by <a href="http://www.laurenceking.com/">Laurence King</a> in October 2012.

Steve McCurry: The Iconic Photography

TITLE: <a href="http://www.phaidon.com/store/photography/steve-mcurry-the-iconic-photographs-limited-edition-9780714856339/">Steve McCurry: The Iconic Photography</a> SUMMARY: The career retrospective features the crystal-clear images of National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry. PERFECT FOR: Photojournalists, world travelers and anyone with a soft spot for super-saturated images. Released by <a href="http://www.phaidon.com/agenda/">Phaidon Press</a> in October 2012. (Read more about "Steve McCurry <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/06/steve-mccurry-national-geographic-photographer_n_2247434.html">here</a>)

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/17/best-art-books-of-2012_n_2313511.html

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