Here is my Top 10 List of new Art Books suggested for gift giving 2023. Mostly Canadian, you can buy from publishers, galleries or book sellers. This list has a lot of fascinating reading. (Above: Painting by Quebec artist Paul Béliveau via PlusOne Gallery, London)
No. 1
By Patricia Bovey, art historian & curator
The most ambitious survey of Westerm Canadian art to date, this is the story of how artists in the West changed the face of Canadian art.
Illustrated with over 250 colour works, reviews say this book needs to be seen, and its artists and art celebrated.
No. 2
Art is for Everybody
A survey of Keith Haring’s dynamic art practice from 1978-90, shining a light on the iconic and beloved artist.
Forty years after he came to prominence, his art continues to garner worldwide recognition, breaking down barriers and spreading joy.
Haring is currently on exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
No. 3
A Story of Love, Crime & Obsession
This New York TImes best seller is the true story of the world’s most prolific art thief, a portrait of obsession and flawed genius, from the bestselling author of The Stranger in the Woods.
“The Art Thief, like its title character, has élan, and a great sense of timing.”—The New Yorker
No. 4
Latest Book in the E.J. Hughes series
The latest instalment in the award-winning series on the life and work of E. J. Hughes takes the reader into this very private artist’s home and studio on Shawinigan Lake.
“Robert Amos offers a fascinating glimpse into the everyday life of a beloved Canadian artist.” —Montecristo
In this book, “Robert Amos has shown Canadians that Emily Carr was not the only painting superstar from BC.” – author Roy MacGregor
No. 5
Accompanies an international tour
This catalog brings together 215 works from Niro’s expansive oeuvre, including some published for the first time.
The retrospective also includes essays about Niro’s work as well as texts from guest artists, scholars, and curators.
Shelley Niro: 500 Year Itch is an international touring exhibition organized by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and the Art Gallery of Hamilton, with assistance from the National Gallery of Canada
No. 6
Work from contemporary Mi’kmaw artists
Each of nine preeminent artist’s background and practice is introduced by editor shalan joudry and photographed in studio by Holly Brown Bear.
This book is a milestone in creating awareness of and celebrating a group of important artists working in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional territory which embraces Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and portions of Quebec.
No. 7
By Sarah Milroy & Ian A.C. Dejardin
This is the first book to focus on Thomson’s small-scale oil sketches, exhibited at the McMichael through January, 2024.
A variety of voices interpret the works, among them McMichael Executive Director Ian Dejardin, historian Douglas Hunter, and Algonquin knowledge-keeper and cultural activist Christine McRae Luckasavitch.
The essays in combination with more than 150 reproductions of Thomson’s painted sketches cast new light on the enduring influence of one of Canada’s most iconic artists.
No. 8
“A Strangeness found in the Ordinary“
This is the only sanctioned biography of Mary Pratt, shaped by Anne Koval’s extensive interviews with the artist and her family, friends and colleagues.
Koval also had unprecedented access to Pratt’s fonds at Mount Allison University, including her personal journals, resulting in an intimate, revealing narrative.
(The description above is from a read-worthy synopsis of the book by journalist Becky Rynor on Galleries West. More about Pratt here.)
No. 9
Brings a McMichael Gallery exhibition to life
A devout Roman Catholic, Kurelek intended the 16 paintings in his series Jewish Life in Canada as a gesture across the cultural divide, implicitly demonstrating his open-mindedness toward Canadians of cultural and religious backgrounds different from his own.
Relying on archival documents and photographs from across the country, Kurelek scoped the role of tradition, community, and family at the core of the Jewish experience in mid-twentieth century Canada.
With more than 50 images, including the full suite of paintings as well as previously unpublished source material, this is a complete record of Kurelek’s working process.
No. 10
A deeply personal collector’s story
Michael Audain’s passion for art began in his teens, eventually leading to the assembly of one of Canada’s most notable collections – much of it now donated to the Audain Art Museum in Whistler, B.C.
“With heart, humour and candour, Audain looks at 75 significant works that transformed both his collection and his relationship with art,” the publisher notes.
The book had an official unveiling and signing Dec. 2 at Vancouver Art Gallery (here)
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I knew many of the artists but none of these books, so I thank you for such wonderful discoveries.
You’re so welcome, and thank you for saying. I have been watching for a good gift book for one person in particular all year – ergo the list of books I’ve been through.