Art & Photography

This book is a beautiful tribute to Maestrapeace, the mural that adorns the Women’s Building in San Francisco’s Mission. Angela Y. Davis’s foreword provides not only an introduction but historical and social context, which is followed by sections that explore the art, the meaning of its imagery, introduce the seven female muralists, and detail the artwork’s history from inception to today. To hold this book in your hands is to hold Maestrapeace itself—its art, journey, intent, and spirit. - Jocelyn

This collection of spectacular images reveals our planet as we’ve never seen it before. Utilizing satellite images, locations that were previously too remote or could only be seen from space are revealed—including newly formed islands born from volcanic eruptions and turtles traveling on ocean currents. Still photographs from the ground—from Bangladesh to Florida—complete this stunning look at the true colors of our planet. 

Reading this book feels like a vindication; long overlooked, the women of abstract expressionism are revealed not just as muses and supporting players, but the founders of a movement. Don't let the size intimidate you; Gabriel's use of interviews and firsthand accounts takes what could be a dense tome down to a personal scale that feels intimate to read despite its scope. - Katherine

A combination of art, fashion, history, and chemistry. Kassia St. Clair offers a unique exploration on art and history through color. The discovery and proliferation of 75 different colors are examined through trivia tidbits and historical anecdotes, making Secret Lives of Color a fascinating read. Formatted and designed beautifully, this book is great for any color or history lover. - R.H.

Because Wayne Thiebaud and Richard Diebenkorn were friends, their art has been compared before, but Yau’s new book explores the similarities in the expansive works of these two artists as they took inspiration from the ever-changing landscapes of California. With essays comparing individual pieces to each other as well as to those of other artists, California Landscapes gives a feel for Thiebaud and Diebenkorn’s relationship and their place in the arts community. - Megan

It’s important in this time and in this country to recognize that the powerlessness we feel is something forced upon us and is entirely manufactured. Even if just for a moment, we can offer hope and comfort to those who are fighting for us all. This book, which chronicles artist and activist Ai Weiwei’s project of encouraging people to write postcards to those incarcerated for advocating for human rights, is hopeful and shattering and will galvanize its readers. - Jax

Known for her distinct graphic style and charming color palettes, Orla Kiely truly has lived a life in pattern. In this, her third publication, we get a fascinating look into her career in fashion and home design, starting with her ever-popular “stem” design that she made right in her apartment living room back in 1995. A fine book for those inspired by graphic design or the recent history of female entrepreneurship. - Megan

Maier is one of my favorite photographers of the 20th century. Her uncanny ability to create a beautiful, haunting, or visually intriguing image from everyday people and places makes her photos endlessly fascinating. The Color Work is the first conclusive collection of her color work and so has a very different feel than previous compilations of her black-and-white shots. A wonderful new glimpse into the enigmatic Maier. - Megan

Mary Gabriel set out to illuminate the lives and legacies of five female American artists who changed history while being overlooked by it, and through these women brings viscerally to life a New York–centered world of the last century. The relationships, famous names, wars, social movements, and above all, the art in Ninth Street Women will leave you inspired, looking up paintings, and holding onto the names Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, and Mary Gabriel. - Jocelyn

In An American Odyssey, Mary Schmidt Campbell, president of Spelman College, delves into the life of artist Romare Bearden, a muralist and collagist whose large-scale public works came to symbolize the black experience during the Civil Rights era. I have always loved Bearden’s work and am fascinated to learn more about his art and life, including his collaborations with choreographer Alvin Ailey and how being a social worker (for nearly three decades) impacted his work. - S.B.