The festive season is upon us, and it’s time to find perfect Christmas gift ideas for those we love! If you’re on the hunt for presents for artists or lovers of art in general, you’re in luck – Enter Gallery have an incredible selection of art gift options for all budgets that will guarantee smiles, and perhaps a cheeky kiss under the mistletoe, this Christmas.
While you may know us best for our limited edition prints, we also have an incredible library of beautifully designed books, which are perfect if you’re looking for art gift ideas that won’t break the bank.
In today’s blog, we’re running through some of the best books about leading artists that you can snap up at Enter Gallery now. Each of these books dives into the careers of some of the world’s biggest names, showcasing their techniques and the artworks that have made them household names.
Peter Blake: One Man Show by Marco Livingstone
Peter Blake’s impact on the face of modern art is so significant he has been dubbed the, ‘Godfather of Pop Art’. Livingstone’s illustrated appraisal, One Man Show, dives into Blake’s artistic life and career, dating from his working-class beginnings in Dartford in the 1950s, through to present day.
The book showcases Peter Blake prints, paintings, collage, typography and more, all inspired by his passion for popular culture. If the artist in your life is looking for inspiration, Blake’s multi-disciplinary practice and ethos that, ‘anything can be art’ is sure to inspire.
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama is one of the most iconic artists of all time, internationally renowned for her unusual and ground-breaking work exploring self-image, mental health and sexuality.
This gorgeous book, which will look fabulous on any book shelf or coffee table, explores Kusama’s career trajectory from her days making her mark on the Manhattan art scene of the 1960s, through the present day, where she continues to push boundaries with her visionary artworks.
In addition to showcasing Kusama’s most iconic works, including her infinity rooms and dotty sculptures, the book features a collection of poems by Kusama, and an essay by prominent art critic, Catherine Taft.
Slim Aarons: The Essential Collection
Give the gift of pure style this Christmas, courtesy of iconic photographer, Slim Aarons. Known for his sun-drenched photography of high society, Aarons continues to be a major inspiration in the worlds of photography and fashion.
We have a whole range of Slim Aarons books, but for the purposes of this article, we’re recommending his Essential Collection. The book covers his entire career, from his days as a war photographer through to his years travelling to the world’s most beautiful locations for such glossy publications as Holiday and Town and Country Magazine.
Complementing the beautiful photography is a fascinating essay packed full of personal insights and detailing key moments in Aarons’ career, including capturing his iconic piece, Poolside Gossip. Featuring more than 100 rare and previously-unpublished photographs, this book is a must for any Slim Aarons fan or aspiring photographer.
Tracey Emin: Paintings
Presents for painters don’t come much better than this definitive collection from Tracey Emin. Over the course of her illustrious career, we’ve seen Emin excel in everything from textiles to neon and sculpture, but in recent years, her focus has been entirely on painting.
Tracey Emin: Paintings looks at her painting across the years, bringing together more than 300 of her expressive and provocative artworks, dating from the 1990s to today.
The book also features additional insight into Emin’s life and artistic outlook via an essay by Australian art writer, Jennifer Higgie, and a conversation between Emin and close personal friend, David Dawson.
If you’re interested in adding Tracey Emin artworks to your collection, contact the gallery to speak to an Art Advisor.
Time for Magic: A Shamanarchist's Guide to the Wheel of the Year
Time for Magic: A Shamanarchist’s Guide to the Wheel of the Year is a book by the late, great artist, Jamie Reid.
The book brings together 180 of Reid’s lesser-known radical art images, woven into the structure of the Pagan Wheel of the Year. Also featured are Reid’s most influential works, including pre-punk, Situationist-inspired pieces, and the visuals he famously produced for the Sex Pistols.
Time for Magic also offers insight into the man behind the protest art, courtesy of John Marchant, Reid’s former gallerist and trusted director of the Jamie Reid Foundation, who offers captivating and personal insight into Reid’s, “life, legacy and love of making trouble.”
Harland Miller: In Shadows I Boogie
Provide some inspiration to the artist in your life courtesy of the most comprehensive book to date to chronicle Harland Miller’s creativity.
In Shadows I Boogie covers 20 years of Harland Miller paintings, including his iconic reinterpretations of classic Penguin paperbacks.
Alongside beautifully-captured images of his work, the book features several specially commissioned essays by the best art writers in the business, exploring Miller’s artistic process and what makes him so enduringly popular.
View Harland Miller artworks or contact the gallery to speak to an Art Advisor
Shop our extensive collection of art books here
