Critics have traditionally confined Paul Klee’s contribution to American art as one of “spirit,” and limited to the works of the New York School and other Abstract Expressionist painters. In fact, Klee’s influence on American art is more expansive, as illustrated in this study of ten artists who, through their use of automatic drawing, color field painting, symbols, and pictographs, reveal how Klee’s theories and artistic methods contributed to the history of post-war American art. The ten artists explored include familiar names, such as Jackson Pollock, Robert Motherwell, Mark Tobey, Gene Davis, and Kenneth Noland, as well as lesser-known artists William Baziotes, Norman Lewis, Theodore Stamos, and Bradley Walker Tomlin. The richly-illustrated book features essays exploring Klee’s legacy among various schools of American art and a chronology illustrates where and how American artists learned about Klee. It also includes a profile of each artist and their connections to Klee, followed by exquisite reproductions of their works.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 245 x 320 mm

Publication Date: 20-10-2017

In this fascinating look at over 180 “hidden” images Helga Prignitz-Poda, one of the world’s leading authorities on the Mexican artist, pulls back the curtain on masterpieces that rarely, if ever, see the inside of an exhibition or gallery. Illustrated with stunning reproductions of works that PrignitzPoda has discovered over the course of her career, this book helps expand our knowledge and understanding of this hugely popular artist. Arranged chronologically, the works include those Kahlo completed in her youth, works from her travels to America, paintings she made as an instructor in Mexico City, and a number of still-lifes from the last phase of her career. From largely unknown images, such as embroidery stitched at the age of five and doodles on love letters to her boyfriend Alejandro, to well-known works such as My Birth (1932), now owned by Madonna, and Remembrance of the Open Wound, which was destroyed in a fire, these “hidden” artworks create an invaluable resource for Frida Kahlo scholars and will be treasured by the painter’s many fans.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 224

Dimensions: 230 x 280 mm

Publication Date: 15-09-2017

The perfect subject for a graphic novel, Frida Kahlo’s brief life was dramatic and romantic, tragic and painful. In this illustrated “biography”, Vanna Vinci captures the spirit of Kahlo’s world in boldly colored, minutely detailed illustrations. Blending facts and history with dreamlike and surreal sequences, Vinci creates an intimate portrayal of an artist who incorporated her life experiences into her art. Burning love and crushing loss, incredible joy and deep despair—these were all part of Kahlo’s life and part of the paintings that are some of the most celebrated art of all time. Filled with images that populated Kahlo’s work—monkeys and parrots, traditional clothing and lush gardens—Vinci imbues her text and drawings with an artist’s perception and sensitivity. The result is an evocative, fittingly passionate tribute to a legendary figure.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 200 x 260 mm

Publication Date: 15-09-2017

When it comes to viewing art, living in the information age is not necessarily a benefit. So argues Michael Findlay in this book that encourages a new way of looking at art. Much of this thinking involves stripping away what we have been taught and instead trusting our own instincts, opinions, and reactions. Including reproductions of works by Mark Rothko, Paul Klee, Joan Miró, Jacob Lawrence, and other modern and contemporary masters, this book takes readers on a journey through modern art. Chapters such as “What Is a Work of Art?”, “Can We Look and See at the Same Time?”, and “Real Connoisseurs Are Not Snobs,” not only give readers the confidence to form their own opinions, but also encourages them to make connections that spark curiosity, intellect, and imagination. “The most important thing for us to grasp,” writes Findlay, “is that the essence of a great work of art is inert until it is seen. Our engagement with the work of art liberates its essence.” After reading this book, even the most intimidated art viewer will enter a museum or gallery feeling more confident and leave it feeling enriched and inspired.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 248

Dimensions: 180 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 11-09-2017

Native Birds of New Zealand is a photographic book of New Zealand native birds that will appeal to the casual bird-watcher as well as the ornithologist. Many books in the past have been aimed at the serious ornithologist, with illustrations designed to show distinct feather patterns but not to create an image that is also pleasing to the eye. The photographs in this book have been taken by David Hallett, one of New Zealand’s leading wildlife photographers, who captured the beauty of New Zealand’s native birds in their natural environment, from the subtropical north to the Sub-Antarctic Islands, and from the oceans to the alpine meadows of the Southern Alps. The text is kept short and avoids the in-depth academic material found in some of the very good reference books on the market. It does include all the interesting facts that set our native birds apart, presented in a short, concise format that makes the book ideal for browsing. With the advent of digital photography, many more birders are now equipping themselves with cameras as well as binoculars when they go into the field, creating an increasing awareness of wildlife photography. This trend, combined with the affection New Zealanders have for their native birds, makes Native Birds of New Zealand a book that will have wide-spread appeal. Native birds of New Zealand was a labour of love over many years. David’s bird photographs enthralled many people, though few knew the hours he spent hidden among the rushes to catch each perfect image. Sadly, David died suddenly and unexpectedly in August 2016. This book is part of his legacy.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 207

Dimensions: 310 x 218 mm

Publication Date: 01-08-2017

London’s streets, built up over more than two thousand years, are a maze of history, cultures, and stories. In his fantastically detailed maps of the city, Stephen Walter converts the densely packed streets into a tangle of insightful yet humorous words and symbols. As The Guardian notes, “the features Walter selects [in a map] are by turns funny, crass, touching, burlesque, murderous and uncanny.” Jokingly dismissing neighbouring cities, the artist reimagines London as an insular body of land surrounded by water. The book includes posters of all 33 London boroughs that can be pulled out, framed, and displayed, and a further poster contains a key to the many symbols used by the artist to help readers navigate their way through the maps. Walter’s cartographic creations have a cult following and his books enable a wider audience to immerse themselves in his personal vision that celebrates the art of mapmaking and pokes intelligent fun at the city he calls home.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 72

Dimensions: 28 x 34 mm

Publication Date: 20-09-2017

Much has changed in Burma since Birgit Neiser first visited in 1981. The country is now known as Myanmar, and military rule – which lasted nearly half a century – has given way to a tentative democratic process. Returning in 2010, at the cusp of this groundbreaking shift, Neiser began spending two months each year in Myanmar. To document ways of life she knew would soon start to disappear and to reach areas inaccessible to the casual visitor, the author travelled across the country – on the back of timber trucks in the mountains of Kachin state, by motorbike in northern Shan State, and onboard an old fishing vessel in the Andaman Sea. The result is Catching the Light – a dazzling collection of photographs that captures a unique moment in Myanmar’s social, cultural, and political history.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 200

Dimensions: 230 x 250 mm

Publication Date: 18-09-2017

World-renowned photographer Michael Poliza’s best seller re-released—now in a smaller format and as an inexpensive hardcover edition Discover the impressive continent in all its fascinating beauty Breathtaking photographs that simply have to be seen Africa is a source of amazing bio-diversity and home to some of the planet's most spectacular landscapes. The sights of this awe-inspiring continent are captured with consummate skill and sensitivity by master lensman Michael Poliza. With extensive experience photographing the animals and terrain of Africa, Poliza's viewpoint is shaped by his concern for the fragile eco-systems he chronicles. These images embody the soul of Africa's flora and fauna with a true artist's eye for color and composition. This book will be enjoyed for years to come. Poliza started as a child actor on German TV, then founded several highly successful IT ventures in the US and Germany. His "STARSHIP MILLENNIUM VOYAGE," around the world on a 75 ft expedition yacht, was avidly followed by millions via internet. Poliza now focuses mainly on filming and photography, including work for the Discovery Channel. He spends a great deal of time based in Cape Town, and is a pioneer in the use of digital photography for coffee table books.

Bind: hardback

Brian M. Viveros paints dangerous women. Often depicted helmeted and smoking, they sport bandages as if they had just been in a fight and won. This first ever monograph on this talented self-taught artist allows us to enter his fantasy world where women are sexy and powerful and men are nowhere to be seen. From his first group exhibition 20 years ago where his work was exhibited alongside the likes of H.R. Giger and Eric Stanton, his reputation among the art community and collectors alike has continued to grow. Dirtyland documents eighteen years of his work including over 100 full-page reproductions of his classic paintings, in-depth essays, an interview with the artist, behind the scenes photographs and much more.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 216

Dimensions: 230 x 304 mm

Publication Date: 01-06-2017

An understated tome, Makers Ware quietly speaks to the power and beauty of handmade tableware that is simultaneously utilitarian and artistic. The makers in this volume deftly hone clay, wood and glass with great respect for natural forms and the elemental properties of the materials themselves. The tabletop becomes a work of art once bedecked with the textures, colors and shapes of these talented craftspeople, who hail from the backwoods of Maine to Norway, China, Japan and beyond. Interviews with the creators are accompanied by impeccable photography of their wares, local environment and private workshops.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 176

Dimensions: 153 x 210 mm

Publication Date: 10-08-2017