This monograph on the sculptor François Pompon is unpublished in the editorial landscape. It traces the history and work of the artist. The book has two parts, with Pompon’s books of accounts: a bilingual illustrated biography, followed by the repertoire of works. Resolutely modern, François Pompon vivified the animal art of the early 20th century, by his original conception of the form and the emotion produced. However, he devoted most of his life to composing for other sculptors, until he began to study animals by choice and taste. Drawing on the principles of antiquity while challenging the conventions of traditional statuary, he created a realistic, suggestive and simplified style. Polar Bear carries the sculptor’s career to its peak and is today its symbol. Pompon represents the animal in its daily life, for itself and without staging. He finds the balance between realism, truth and abstraction of unnecessary details. The surfaces are polished and round, leading to a soothing and understandable beauty at first glance. The result of a long manual and experimental work, this creative impulse leads François Pompon to new masterpieces sublimating the animal world. Bear, wild boar, hippopotamus, owl, mole or partridge, the animals of Pompon are touched by the love that emerges.
Text in English and French.
James VI & I, the only child of Mary, Queen of Scots, has often been overshadowed by the dramatic lives of his mother and son, Charles I. This book seeks to redress the balance by centering the first monarch to reign over both Scotland and England and uncovering the artistic treasures created during his extraordinary reign.
The cultural riches of James’s court are showcased, revealing his diverse roles as ruler, scholar, politician, father and patron of the arts. His court’s passion for jewelry and fine clothes is illustrated in the vivid portraits and miniatures by John de Critz and Nicholas Hilliard – just two of many artists and craftspeople who thrived in its artistic and intellectual climate.
Five richly illustrated chapters demonstrate James’s impact on early modern Britain, while reconsidering the reputation of a king traditionally presented as preferring hunting and drinking to the duties of daily governance. Packed with exquisite art works and sumptuous objects, this book brings James’s court vividly to life.
Life is always winking at us, calling our attention to the beauty hidden in plain sight. And yet, we often miss what’s right in front of our noses, either lost in thought or tethered to never-ending to-do lists. This is a handbook for anyone who feels some of the shine has worn off their daily life and wants to reconnect with the beauty hidden in plain sight. In this exquisite collection of photographs, poems and creative invitations, we are reminded that we don’t need to wait for miracles to be astonished. Wonder is a state of mind, available to us every day of our lives.
Things Made Over Time is a comprehensive survey of South African artist-potter Hylton Nel’s work, spanning his career from the 1960s to 2024. From his early days in Antwerp to his studio in Calitzdorp, Nel’s ceramics—plates, bowls, vases, and sculptures—embody a unique voice in contemporary ceramics. Featuring a foreword by Dior Men’s creative director Kim Jones and a photographic series by Pieter Hugo, this book explores Nel’s vast inspirations, from Staffordshire pottery to Tang Dynasty China, as well as his home filled with objects and books. With insights from Nel’s own words and an essay by art historian Tamar Garb, who highlights his whimsical cats as symbolic witnesses, Things Made Over Time captures Nel’s blend of humor, critique, and timeless tradition. A must-have for collectors and lovers of contemporary ceramics.
Books of Hours were the bestsellers of the late Middle Ages. Books of Hours, Books of Hope provides unambiguous and accessible answers to the most intriguing questions about the use and significance of these devotional books: what were they about, who were the makers and readers, where did people learn to read, did they use reading glasses or lamps, what do the humorous figures in the margins symbolize, and why do Books of Hours feature so frequently in portraits by, for example, the Flemish Primitives?
From sumptuous masterpieces embellished with gold leaf to modest, well-thumbed copies dotted with candle-wax stains or personal notes – each one has a story to tell. Books of Hours were popular among all levels of society, from dukes and countesses to bricklayers and maids. Not only as showpieces, but above all as their owners’ faithful companions, cherished and used intensively.
Lavishly illustrated with masterpieces from the collections of the Bruges Public Library and Musea Brugge, this publication is a must-have for those who wish to immerse themselves in the fascinating book culture of the medieval era.
Publication accompanying the exhibition Pride and Solace: medieval Books of Hours and their readers at the Groeningemuseum in Bruges from 4 April until 7 October 2025.
This book collects Li Qiang’s classic photographs from 1981 to the present with three chapters: Northern Homeland, Distant Memory, and City Encounter. Li Qiang applies black and white images to record the changes in the lifestyle and cultural landscape of this era, from his hometown of Liyaoxian in northern Shaanxi to Xi’an, where he works and lives, and then to Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macau in the south. These photographs record the social landscape of the current accelerated industrialization and urbanization, criticize the destruction of nature and original civilization, and pay attention to the state of individual existence. This deep humanistic sentiment is placed in every frozen moment, allowing us to refocus on the freshness and touching of daily life that has long been common place. Li’s influence on contemporary photography is not only reflected in his absolute adherence to his own aesthetic system, but also in his personal understanding between his hometown and modernity, and between himself and the times, providing a unique path for the innovation and expression of photographic language.
Alejandro Merizalde began photographing in Venice in 2008. In his early visits he found the city stiflingly overcrowded, but during a brief winter trip a few years later, the overcast skies and foggy atmosphere allowed him to draw out Venice’s legendary beauty without the disruptions of mass tourism.
In 2013 he started experimenting with longer exposures to eliminate the distractions of human activity and enable him to concentrate on his architectural compositions. This shift in approach was gradual, but it helped him realize that he was no longer interested in recording iconic features like St Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and the gondola, to name a few. From then on, he dropped the predictable locations and buildings and trained his lens on the Venice lagoon and areas of the city where Venetians actually spend their lives.
Text in English, French and Italian.
The new edition of The Art of Cookery re-proposes the recipes of the Florentine culinary tradition, enhancing their simplicity, capturing their modern aspects, veering some of them towards an accuracy in the procedures to ensure that those who try the recipes – and then those who are lucky enough to taste them – will discover the presence and taste of each individual ingredient. All organized within the time frames of today’s schedules. We should not be scandalized if the procedures cemented in the historical memory of domestic walls are made faster through the use of the appliances now routinely used in the kitchen. So bring on the pressure cookers, mixers, blenders and immersion robots if they can help to free up a bit of time and a bit of happy effort in favor of imagination and creativity.
Cooking with passion is a game that continually puts us to the test, with results that only our guests can judge.
How many newspapers and magazines do people throw out every day? How many unread masterpieces appear on your bookshelf? How many old exams and assignments are gathering dust in the attics of schools? For 50 years, the Belgian artist Denmark – the pseudonym of Marc Robbroeckx – has transformed tons of printed paper into art. He creates sculptures and installations using books, newspapers, and magazines. His main ingredient is always paper – cut, pressed, stacked, or folded. Since the early seventies, Denmark has been cutting up, dissecting, and (re)assembling books, magazines, and newspapers. His archive installations are a critical reaction to the overload of information we are confronted with daily, opposing the abundance of information, symbolized by the gigantic masses of discarded – and often unused – paper. These surplus newspapers, magazines, books, and archives are cut up, folded, glued, bound, pressed, sanded, and ground,… by the artist to create new visual archives, no longer for consulting but purely for viewing beauty as resistance to excess. ‘anarchives‘ provides a sober and in-depth overview of the artist’s many years of practice.
Text in English, French and Dutch.
“Photographer is much more than a simple profession, it is a deep passion, an unwavering vocation. Behind each paparazzi there is above all a photographer who is a bit of a hunter and a bit of an adventurer”.
Between Paris and Hollywood, the results of 30 years of star hunting around the world. Sébastien Valiela is the undisputed king of paparazzi nicknamed “the terror of presidents”. His photos have traveled the world several times and appeared on more than 600 magazine covers. With him, we break into the private lives of celebrities, from Johnny to Sharon Stone, including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, but also that of the last three presidents of the French Republic…
The world’s most daring paparazzi has captured the key moments of many celebrities and leaders. On his track record: Mick Jagger, Vanessa Paradis, Claudia Schiffer, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton , Kim Karsashian, Alain Delon, Jack Nicholson, Keith Richards, Cindy Crawford, Richard Gere, Victoria Beckham, Morgan Freeman, Robert de Niro, P!nk, Taylor Swift, David Lynch, Donald Trump… President again: the photographer spent two years with the Macron couple, capturing their daily life with authenticity. His photos go well beyond the simple scoop: they tell historical moments and fragments of the intimate lives of great figures. He was also the sole witness to the BRI assault during the Hyper Cacher hostage-taking, offering images of unique intensity.
This collection, rich in funny and captivating stories, plunges into the heart of the spectacle society described by Guy Debord. Sébastien Valiela, as a visionary paparazzi, reveals behind the scenes of an era marked by images. More than a book, this work reveals the impact of photography on our contemporary culture and offers a fascinating look at the personalities who shape our society.
Text in English and French.
If flowers could talk…
In Forever Flowers, conservator Sven Van Dorst offers a different perspective on a vibrant genre, the seventeenth-century Flemish flower still life. His detailed exploration of eight magnificent pictures in the collection of The Phoebus Foundation is a search for the secrets that lie beneath the brushstrokes of Jan Brueghel I, Daniel Seghers, Jan Davidsz. De Heem, and their fellow flower painters.
With the latest in modern analysis and imaging technologies as well as reconstructions of historical techniques he penetrates the deepest layers of their works, bringing to light features not seen for nearly four hundred years. For hidden behind the apparent simplicity of a flower piece are coded meanings and astonishing painting processes.
The wealth of razor-sharp detail images in this richly illustrated book reveals many surprising inventions and discoveries about exotic flowers, butterfly wings, and… a llama. Each flower still life tells a story. Of perilous journeys, status and prestige, fear of death, love for a child, or our search for knowledge in a world that is ever-changing even as we try to hold on to it.
For flowers do talk, and through these pages you can hear them.
“… none have captured the enigma of Monroe quite as intimately as Shaw’s camera.” — The Daily Mail
“Monroe had many sides — and Sam lets us see them all.” — The New York Post
“… Marilyn unguarded, radiant in her naturalness – a glimpse of the woman behind the myth.” — Arts & Collections Magazine
“This book of photos and letters is a treasure for any fan of Marilyn Monroe, photography or stories of friendship. In Dear Marilyn, The Unseen Letters and Photographs, Sam Shaw is finally showing the world the Marilyn he knew while the world can now see the work of an artist Marilyn knew.” — The Eye of Photography
“Dear Marilyn is an ode to friendship, stardom, and the actress’s enduring legacy, 63 years after her death.” — Airmail
Dear Marilyn offers a fresh insight into the life of the most-famous woman Hollywood has ever created. Through the stunning photography of Monroe’s close friend and confidant, the photographer, journalist and filmmaker Sam Shaw, this book brings Marilyn Monroe to life in a spectacular celebration of the centenary of her birth.
In Shaw’s own voice, through his diary entries and intimate correspondences with Monroe, we learn of their close friendship and an insider-view that charts her rise to stardom, the challenges she faced and her quest to find artistic authenticity. For the first time, Shaw also tells the origin story of his iconic ‘blowing skirt’ series from The Seven Year Itch.
Stunning digitally remastered photographs from the original 1940s–1960s archival material include some of the most famous images ever taken of Monroe: from behind the scenes of The Seven Year Itch to candid images of her on the streets of New York City and in love at the beach in Amagansett. Including never-before-seen images, Shaw’s work favors improvisation and shows Marilyn Monroe at her most spontaneous and radiant.
“Marilyn was born out of time, still she became a superstar, a myth, and a legend.” — Sam Shaw
Ken Gun Min’s paintings explore intimacy, masculinity, and representation across cultures, while employing a mixture of western-style oil paints, Korean pigments, embroidery, and beading on raw canvas. Often featuring nude and queer-coded men, his portraits and lush landscapes concoct fanciful idylls where longing, melancholy, and euphoria manifest irrespective of expectations imposed on people in daily life.
This 1000-piece puzzle features his work.
Michelangelo’s men are world famous. Everyone knows his David and his The Creation of Adam at the centre of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. His powerful, muscular nudes, precise anatomical drawings and magnificent, androgynous figures left a profound mark on art history.
In this book, leading international art historians look at Michelangelo’s men with fresh eyes and from every angle. How was he influenced by classical sculpture and what drew him to the Neoplatonic ideal of perfection and beauty? Did he dissect cadavers himself? What role did models play? And what did the male physique mean to him personally – both in his veneration of Christ’s body and in his intimate friendships with other, frequently young men? This key aspect of his art has never before been placed centre stage.
Michelangelo’s exceptional works are reproduced here in all their glory and with numerous details, making this book a visual must-have for every art lover.
With contributions from, amongst others, Martin Gayford, Paul Joannides, Michael Rocke, and Jennifer Sliwka.
Japandi, that peaceful blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design, has earned its place in the garden. After Japandi Living and Japandi, books in which the reader learned more about the interior trend and overall lifestyle, Laila Rietbergen now explores the world of Japandi outdoor spaces.
Japandi Outdoor Living shows the unique way in which inside and outside blend seamlessly in this serene style. The book shows the influence of both the traditional Japanese and the minimalistic Scandinavian garden, and highlights the recurring elements in Japandi outdoor design. The author discusses elements like garden layout, choice of materials, and color palette, and shows stunning projects photos to match. This book will teach you how to give your outdoor space a Japandi touch – however modest or grand it may be – and how to transform it into the perfect place to unwind.
Working as a vet in a large zoo is a dream job for many—but for Tim Bouts, it’s reality. As Chief Veterinary Officer, he has spent over 20 years caring for animals in world-renowned parks like London Zoo. Today, he works at the Sheikh of Qatar’s ‘Panda House.’ In this book, he shares remarkable stories from his diverse range of patients: a lion battling Covid, a hippopotamus with tuberculosis, a tigress with dental issues, and a gorilla suffering from chronic pain. Some of his anecdotes are heartwarming, like his first successful surgery, or welcoming baby pandas to Pairi Daiza in Belgium. Others are pulse-pounding, such as the failed anesthesia of an antelope, and the escape of two chimpanzees. And some are deeply moving, like the euthanasia of a herd of herpes-stricken elephants or the heartbreaking loss of a walrus mother and her calf. Through these stories, you’ll get a front-row seat to Tim’s daily work and a rare glimpse into his thoughts. He doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics like euthanasia, contraception in zoos, and the challenges of quarantining animals.
Iron People tells the story of the war in Ukraine through the unique perspective of its railway workers. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the 230,000 men and women working on Ukraine’s railways have played a vital role in the country’s defense and daily survival. Stretching nearly 25,000 kilometers, the railway network has been a frequent target of Russian attacks. More than 1,100 railway workers have been injured, and over 790 have lost their lives. Yet despite the danger, a deep sense of duty—and the will to survive—drives these workers, supported by their families, to keep the trains running. Dutch photographer Jelle Krings has been documenting the lives of these railway workers and their loved ones since the start of the invasion. His work paints a powerful and moving portrait of resilience, courage, and humanity.
Dress codes are timeless. This book explores how clothing at the Dutch royal court between 1870 and 1940 expressed not only style, but also status and power. From galas and masquerade balls to mourning attire and daily wear, fashion followed strict rules. With costumes from the collections of Paleis Het Loo, Kunstmuseum Den Haag, and the Royal Collections, you’ll see how members of the court set the tone and became taste-makers in wider society.
But dress codes are far from a thing of the past. In the second part of the book, you’ll discover how clothing today still connects – and divides – us. Think of football jerseys, gender norms, or popular influencers as today’s trendsetters. The exhibition invites you to reflect on your own wardrobe choices – and what they say about you.
Dress Codes shows that fashion is more than beautiful – it tells a powerful story about identity, culture, and influence.
The war in Ukraine is the largest war Europe has seen since 1945. War photographer Jan Grarup and journalist/historian Adam Holm have documented the bloody struggle of the Ukrainians, in both the hinterland and on the front lines of eastern Ukraine (Zaporizjza, Donbas and Kharkiv). Through photography and reportage, they paint a picture of a country where death reaps its harvest daily. A country in which the fear of impending nuclear war is real and where an entire generation of children and adolescents carry iodine tablets and receive schooling inside basements and bunkers.
Harmony: Essential Ayurveda for All is a celebration of India’s timeless wisdom offering an insight into India’s ancient traditions and practices for holistic well-being. Delving into Ayurveda, yoga and mindful living, Gita Ramesh introduces readers to the art of incorporating mindfulness, gratitude and self-awareness to enhance overall life quality.
The book will not only enlighten readers about time-honored practices but also offer practical tips to cultivating well-being in today’s fast-paced world.
This publication showcases the oeuvre of Irene Nordli, one of the Nordic ceramics scene’s most renowned artists, and examines how her works have evolved over the past three decades. Known for her figurines and porcelain, and the interplay between body and material, her art is presented in a way that interweaves the personal, the artistic, and the historical. My Hands Just Keep Getting Bigger invites readers to reflect deeply on her creative journey up to her largest solo exhibition at Kunsthall Grenland in 2024. The dialogue between Irene Nordli and Gjertrud Steinsvåg forms the core of the text, highlighting pivotal moments and reflections that have shaped her work. Photographer Thomas Ekström adds a compelling visual layer by capturing the extraordinary in the everyday, while designer Martin Egge Lundell fuses text and image with an experimental approach, challenging the conventional art monograph.
The international pioneer of media art Richard Kriesche is dedicated to visual, artistic research. He bases his work on the most diverse of mediums, from painting to video art, in order to explore the revolutions in media, information, and digitization that have taken place over the last 50 years as well as their influences on our daily lives. He conceives of man, technology, the social, and the political together and in doing so develops an utterly individual perspective on our society. Based on the artist’s works from the last six decades, the publication shows how human life can be permanently shaped and informed. This book focuses on art as an interface between man and a reality that is continually updating itself—shift of time in present times.
Text in English and German.
Textiles are an integral part of our daily lives, and designing them is still a typically female métier. In this illustrated publication, Stephanie Kahnau presents 40 female textile designers of the 20th and 21st centuries and their outstanding and individual approaches to their medium. The stances presented grant access to the concept, technique, and function of textiles from different positions. For textile practices can take many forms: from a single “line”—the thread—structures ranging from flat to expansive emerge. Not only do they embrace our bodies, protect and clothe them; our bodies also embrace them: we become absorbed in their structured spaces and immerse ourselves in their visual appearance. This publication presents multiple perspectives on this fascinating medium at the interface between functionality and aesthetics.
With contributions by Sabine Flaschberger, Silke Geppert, Christina Leitner, and Catrin Lorch.
Text in English and German.
Ariana Ahmad is an architect and the founder of her namesake design studio, established in 2010. The studio’s core philosophy is a full-service approach – handling every phase of a project from bare concrete to the final touches, including the selection of accessories and art. A second division of the studio functions as a construction company, allowing for complete turnkey solutions with full implementation. This integrated model ensures accountability for both the final result and the project timeline. The team’s collaborative process has been honed over many years. The studio specializes in private residential projects, ranging from apartments to standalone homes, while also taking on select commercial work.
From 2018 to 2022, Ariana Ahmad was named in Architectural Digest Russia’s TOP 100 and TOP 50 lists, and is also included in ELLE Decoration Russia’s TOP200. In 2022, Ariana joined Gold Edition lnterior+Design.
This book presents a curated journey through the refined, expressive world of Ariana Ahmad Design in sixteen projects—a studio known for creating interiors that are as emotionally resonant as they are visually striking. Each project featured here reflects a deep understanding of space, storytelling, and the intimate connection between architecture and daily life. What unites these diverse interiors is a commitment to authenticity, material richness, and a timeless aesthetic. Ariana Ahmad Design approaches each space with intuition and precision, crafting environments that feel effortlessly layered, personal, and alive. This collection invites readers to step inside a world where beauty is intentional, comfort is elevated, and every detail holds meaning.