Top Summer Reads
Laura Muntz Lyall, Interesting Story, 1898. Oil on canvas, 81.3 x 100.3 cm. Gift of the Government of the Province of Ontario, 1972. © 2018 Art Gallery of Ontario.
Summer is officially here, and there’s no better season to relax and enjoy a new book. And if you’re not sure what to read next, we’ve got you covered with this list of our favourite art-related reads from shopAGO.
Love street art? Toronto Street Art Strolls ($19.95) is your guide to the coolest Toronto art you can find. Written by local author Nathalie Prézeau, the book features maps guiding you to street art gems in over 40 city neighbourhoods.
Are forgeries art? Why do so many artists only become famous after their death? Young readers and interested adults alike can learn from What is Art? 27 Questions, 27 Answers ($35) an easy-to-read book written with art world beginners in mind.
Alexander Finbow and Nyco Rudolph, When Big Bears Invade. 2017, Renegade Arts Entertainment.
Love fun stories and rhymes? When Big Bears Invade ($19.99) tells the story of the invasion of Canada by giant bears bent on teaching humanity a lesson. Written by Albertan Alexander Finbow, with vivid illustrations by Manitoba artist Nyco Rudolph, this book is an environmental fable kids of all ages can enjoy.
A must-read for any art lover, Broad Strokes: 15 Women Who Made Art and Made History (in That Order) ($41.95) highlights the careers of 15 of history’s brilliant women artists. From Artemisia Gentileschi to Lee Krasner, author Bridget Quinn’s smart and candid biographies are compelling primers on some of the most important names in art.
And while this isn’t strictly a book, we can’t resist mentioning it. Are you suffering from creative block? Struggling to make a difficult life decision? Pick up Art Oracles: Creative Life Inspiration from 50 Artists ($21.99) and find out what Yayoi Kusama, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and other great artists would do in your shoes. Select one of 50 cards from the pack and heed the advice on inspiration, work, life and more.
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