Welcome, art enthusiasts and avid collectors! We know how difficult it is to wade through the art world's murky waters. Whether you're just starting to build your art collection or you're a seasoned connoisseur, we've got the best books for market trends, artist inspiration, salacious gossip and a deeper understanding of the art world. Learn the lingo as well as the most important tricks of the trade as the authors below pull back the heavy art world curtain, giving valuable insight into every corner of the market.
The $12 Million Stuffed Shark (by Don Thompson)
In "The $12 Million Stuffed Shark," Don Thompson takes readers on a wild ride through the bizarre world of contemporary art where a shark isn't just a predator of the sea but a gold-plated masterpiece worth more than some small countries' GDPs. Thompson dives deep into the murky waters of the art market, where inflated egos, absurd prices, and avant-garde concepts reign supreme. You'll meet eccentric artists who could sell you a blank canvas for a fortune and collectors who would trade their firstborn for a piece of so-called "modern art." Hold onto your monocle as Thompson uncovers the secrets behind the madness, revealing how a stuffed shark becomes more than just a fish tale—it becomes a symbol of absurdity in the art world's feeding frenzy. So grab your popcorn and prepare to be amused, bemused, and possibly confused by the high-stakes antics of the art elite in this hilarious exposé. Just remember, if a shark can fetch $12 million, then maybe your pet goldfish is secretly a masterpiece waiting to happen.
An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin)
Join Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin) on a comedic art-heist adventure as he follows the escapades of Lacey Yeager, a cunning art dealer whose pursuit of beauty is only rivaled by her pursuit of the next big sale, making you wonder if beauty truly is in the eye of the checkbook holder. Though this work is fiction, Martin’s knowledge of the inner workings of the gallery and auction world as told by a young female is frighteningly accurate.
Why Your Five Year Old Could Not Have Done That: Modern Art Explained (by Susie Hodge)
How many times have you stood in front of an artwork and boasted: "I could do that?" Sarah Hodge takes readers on a side-splitting journey through the baffling world of modern art -- where a banana duct-taped to a wall is considered a stroke of genius -- and explains why the best examples of modern art are actually the result of sophisticated thought and serious talent
Get the Picture (by Bianca Bosker)
Join Bosker on an in depth laugh-out-loud exploration of the cutthroat world of art auctions, where paddles fly faster than you can say "Picasso," and where the real artistry lies in outbidding your fellow bidders, leaving you questioning whether you're in an auction house or a circus ring. Bosker’s research included stints as a gallery girl, studio assistant, and even a Guggenheim security guard—virtually every perspective is considered. Now that’s true art world democracy.
Bright Stars (by Kate Bryan)
In "Bright Stars," Bryan shines a spotlight on the dazzling yet tumultuous lives of some of the most intriguing artists who left an indelible mark on the art world before their untimely deaths. Through a series of compelling biographical sketches, Bryan explores the brilliance and struggles of these creative luminaries, revealing how their intense passion and talent often came with a heavy price. From tragic geniuses to avant-garde pioneers, "Bright Stars" offers a poignant and insightful look into the fleeting but impactful lives of artists whose legacies continue to illuminate the art world.
What other tomes should we add to our roster? Let us know in the comments!