Best Arts & Photography Criticism Books of 2025

Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America is a stunning photographic and narrative celebration of contemporary Native American life and cultures. Matika Wilbur's decade-long art and storytelling endeavor offers justice to the richness, diversity, and lived experiences of Indian Country by countering the one-dimensional and archaic stereotypes of Native people in mainstream media. The book contains hundreds of stunning portraits and compelling personal narratives of contemporary Native people, touching on personal and cultural identity as well as issues of media representation, sovereignty, faith, family, and more. Project 562 is a vital contribution from an incomparable artist that inspires, educates, and truly changes the way we see Native America.

The book "Van Gogh. The Complete Paintings" is a comprehensive study of the life and art of Vincent van Gogh, including a detailed monograph and a complete catalogue of his 871 paintings. Despite battling mental illness and disinterest from contemporary audiences, van Gogh is now celebrated as one of the most important painters of all time. This book, published by Taschen, provides a beautiful and detailed look at van Gogh's work and life, making it a must-have for art lovers and scholars alike.

The Vermeer book is a comprehensive study of the life and work of Johannes Vermeer, the most admired Dutch master of the seventeenth century. The book sheds light on all thirty-seven of his paintings, bringing together diverse strands of the artist's professional and private life. With contributions from distinguished international Vermeer scholars and contextual illustrations, the book is a definitive volume that accompanies the once-in-a-lifetime exhibition at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. The book is beautifully designed by Irma Boom, the "Queen of Books," and printed on an uncoated paper. Overall, it is a must-have for art lovers and scholars alike.

Origami Extravaganza! Folding Paper, a Book, and a Box is a comprehensive origami kit suitable for both kids and adults. With 38 fun projects and 162 origami papers, this kit has something for everyone. The booklet contains clear step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow diagrams, making it an excellent origami-for-kids kit and an easy way to learn origami. The variety of both traditional and modern origami models, including flowers, animals, containers, and celebratory designs, makes this kit one of the most extensive origami kits available today. Overall, this kit is a fantastic way to learn the art of origami and create original pieces.

"Monet. The Triumph of Impressionism" by Daniel Wildenstein is a definitive record of Claude Monet's work. The book showcases Monet's dedication to capturing light itself on canvas and his reinvention of the possibilities of color. The biography also covers Monet's late series of water lilies, which are the origin of abstract art. The book is a comprehensive and insightful commentary on the profoundly influential artist, with numerous reproductions and archive photos. Overall, it is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Monet's life and work."

Art That Changed the World: Transformative Art Movements and the Paintings That Inspired Them is a visually stunning and comprehensive guide to art. From prehistoric cave paintings to modern masterpieces, this book covers every major movement in art and showcases 2,500 of the world's most iconic paintings, sculptures, and other artwork. The book presents turning-point paintings that epitomized each artistic movement and explains the social and cultural background of each period. The glossary of technical terms and the comprehensive index make it an indispensable reference book for art-lovers. This book is a perfect coffee table solution for any home in need of conversation or enlightenment.

On Island Time: A Traveler's Atlas: Illustrated Adventures on and around the Islands of Washington and British Columbia (Drawn The Road) is a delightful guide for travelers, locals, and armchair adventurers alike. The book focuses on the iconic islands of the Pacific Northwest, including Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Canada’s Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. Featuring hundreds of illustrations and hand-drawn maps, the book is bursting with ideas aplenty for island-hopping excursions. It celebrates a slower lifestyle that is diverse, fascinating, and altogether magical. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone who loves the Pacific Northwest and wants to explore its hidden delights and natural wonders.

The Codex Seraphinianus: 40th Anniversary Edition is a beloved cult classic that features a visual encyclopedia of an unknown world written in an unknown language. The book has fueled much debate over its meaning, but its appeal is obvious: it is a most exquisite artifact, blurring the line between art book and art object. The special edition includes a new design, new cover illustration, and 15 never-before-seen drawings. With its surreal illustrations and made-up language, Codex Seraphinianus is the perfect book to drive a reader mad with delight and frustration. It feels like a biology textbook designed by Salvador Dalí on acid. Overall, this book is a must-have for fans and collectors of Luigi Serafini's art.

This book, Pop Art, delves into the origins, evolution, and impact of the Pop Art movement. Featuring prominent artists like Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Roy Lichtenstein, the book explores how Pop Art challenged traditional art forms and embraced mass-market sources like advertising and consumer culture. The Basic Art Series provides approximately 100 color illustrations, a detailed introduction, and a selection of the most important works of the epoch. Written by Klaus Honnef, Pop Art is an informative and visually stimulating read for anyone interested in modern art and cultural history.

The book "Van Gogh. The Complete Paintings" by Ingo F. Walther and Rainer Metzger offers a comprehensive study of Vincent van Gogh's life and work, including a catalog of his 871 paintings and writings. The authors delve into the artist's struggles with mental illness, which ultimately led to his untimely death. The book showcases van Gogh's unique ability to capture texture, mood, light, and place in his paintings, including iconic works like Sunflowers, The Starry Night, and Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and work of this master artist.