Photos courtesy of Rizzoli Electa, No More Rulers, David Kordansky Gallery, Pace Publishing, Hatje Cantz, Art by Wash (left to right).
Looking for a thoughtful holiday gift for a host who has everything, or just something to put on top of your Noguchi or Saarinen coffee table?
In a world overflowing with visual wonders, art books remain timeless companions—portable gateways to creativity that invite exploration in the comfort of one's home. I put together an assortment of some of my favorite recent releases, each blending artistry with profound storytelling. These picks stand out for their ability to inspire and provoke thought, offering fresh perspectives on familiar themes.
Photo courtesy of Pace Publishing.
Agnes Martin: On Beauty
(Pace Publishing, 2025)
Edited by Milly Glimcher, this intimate 72-page hardcover gathers Martin’s writings on beauty as life’s “mystery,” paired with reproductions of her later paintings. From succinct reflections on perfection and silence to extended pieces like “The Untroubled Mind,” it portrays beauty through abstract imagery—waves, birds and wind in the grass.
What makes it special: In turbulent times, Martin’s poetic insights offer a serene counterpoint, distilling profound ideas into simple prose and inviting readers to find inspiration in the everyday.
Photo courtesy of Hatje Cantz.
Why WHY? Where Architecture Loves People
(Hatje Cantz, January 2026)
Celebrating 20 years of industry-leading work, this 480-page tome explores Kulapat Yantrasast’s WHY Architecture workshop—a Los Angeles- and New York-based firm transforming museums, urban parks and cultural spaces with a people-centered approach. From the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the CalArts Student Center & Dining Hall, this comprehensive monograph explores the interdisciplinary efforts that build connections between people, culture and place through interviews conducted by Katya Tylevich.
What makes it special: Architecture can often seem daunting, but this book demystifies it by emphasizing design as an act of empathy rather than ego—a refreshing take in an often monumental field.
Photo courtesy of David Kordansky Gallery.
Lauren Halsey
(David Kordansky Gallery, 2025)
Documenting Halsey’s gallery debut, this 488-page softcover includes texts by Elleza Kelley and Lynell George, alongside a photo essay by Steven Traylor. It delves into her sculptural and architectural works, infused with Los Angeles funk, community spirit and black futurism.
What makes it special: Halsey’s immersive creations pulse with energy, reimagining spaces and stories in bold ways. It is a vibrant testament to contemporary art’s potential to blend cultural roots with forward-thinking vision.
Photo courtesy of David Kordansky Gallery.
Lauren Halsey book page detail. Photo courtesy of David Kordansky Gallery.
Photo courtesy of No More Rulers.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Head—The Mind
(No More Rulers, 2025)
This oversized volume focuses on Basquiat’s dynamic heads and faces—raw depictions that evoke a modern memento mori, blending skeletal forms with vibrant energy. Introduced by his niece Sophia Herivaux, the 76-page book weaves in quotes from interviews, unpacking the cryptic symbolism and bold colors that define his work. Complete with black endpapers and a ribbon bookmark, it’s designed for admiration both inside and out.
What makes it special: It distills Basquiat’s genius into an accessible format, highlighting the tension between inner thoughts and outward expression.
Photo courtesy of © Hauser & Wirth Publishers.
Louise Bourgeois: The Insomnia Drawings
(Scalo Publishers, Reissued 2025)
This slipcased two-volume set reproduces 220 drawings from Bourgeois’ sleepless nights in 1994 and 1995, featuring visual motifs on the fronts with poetic notes, aphorisms and daily musings on the backs. Spanning 580 pages, it includes essays by Marie-Laure Bernadac and Elisabeth Bronfen, revealing a rare glimpse into her anxieties and memories.
What makes it special: The drawings blend beauty with disquiet, turning vulnerability into compelling art—humorous at times, always passionate. Proceeds also benefit The Easton Foundation, adding a layer of purpose.
Photo courtesy of Rizzoli Electa.
Wonder Women: Art of the Asian Diaspora
(Rizzoli Electa, 2025)
Edited by Kathy Huang, this 372-page hardcover showcases 40 Asian diasporic women and nonbinary artists via figurative paintings, sculptures and drawings. Drawing from Genny Lim’s poem, the book challenges stereotypes, delving into identity, family, community and history—with contributions from figures like Kevin Kwan and Fariha Róisín.
What makes it special: This collection passionately reframes narratives through heroines and histories, bridging art and activism with timely relevance.
Photo courtesy of Art by Wash.
Mr. Wash Presents Artists in Space
(Self-Published, 2025)
Presented by Compton-based, Jeffrey Deitch-affiliated artist and criminal justice reform advocate Fulton Leroy Washington a.k.a. “Mr. Wash,” this 200-page book presents a visual archive of studio environments from 20 of Los Angeles’ most dynamic working artists today.
What makes it special: All proceeds of the project will go toward building the Art By Wash Studio & Community Center, a space in Compton dedicated to growth and restoration via arts programming, creative residencies and housing for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Artists in Space page detail of Alfonso Gonzalez Jr.
Photo courtesy of Art by Wash.
Photo courtesy of Sterling Ruby Studio.
Sterling Ruby — DRFTRS
(Phaidon, 2025)
Although not strictly an art book, the limited-edition print DRFTRS (Daisy Ghost) by renowned artist Sterling Ruby—produced by the esteemed publishing house Phaidon in collaboration with The Broad. This two-color lithograph with digital collage, debossing, and cut edges comes in a limited edition of 180 (signed and numbered), and is presented in a bespoke portfolio case with a numbered mailer box. It exemplifies Ruby’s painterly approach to printmaking, blending monochromatic hues and gestural lines that evoke landscapes and archaeology.
What makes it special: Each edition includes Phaidon’s comprehensive Contemporary Artists Series monograph on Ruby, making it a perfect hybrid of visual art and scholarly insight.
Enjoy the Next Chapter
These volumes illustrate how art books can transport us, blending knowledge with delight in ways that feel both profound and approachable. Cheers to the pages ahead!
For more inspiration, you can check out my 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. If you happen to be traveling to Paris or Hong Kong, please consult my Reach Further guides for hotels, restaurants, and other tips.
Links
Agnes Martin: On Beauty (Pace Publishing, 2025)
Lauren Halsey (David Kordansky Gallery, 2025)
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Head—The Mind (No More Rulers, 2025)
Louise Bourgeois: The Insomnia Drawings (Scalo Publishers, Reissued 2025)
Why WHY? Where Architecture Loves People (Hatje Cantz, January 2026)
Mr. Wash Presents Artists in Space (Self-Published, 2025)
Wonder Women: Art of the Asian Diaspora (Rizzoli Electa, 2025)
Sterling Ruby — DRFTRS (Phaidon, 2025)
About Agnes Lew
Agnes Lew, East West Bank's Managing Director, Head of Private Banking, leads a team of experienced bankers and financial advisors who provide bespoke banking and financial services for our VIPs. An avid world traveler and art lover, Agnes is East West Bank’s culture connoisseur.
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