Art
We dive into a selection of books that celebrate the world of creativity, innovation, and visual storytelling. These books offer fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving art scene, from groundbreaking exhibitions to intimate artist profiles. Whether you’re an art lover or simply seeking inspiration, these reads will expand your appreciation for the transformative power of art.
Please note that The Fluxx may earn a small commission from purchases made through the links in our Book Club recommendations. Rest assured, every selection is independently chosen by our editors and reflects our genuine love for great storytelling.
VASILY KANDINSKY
Now available in a new format, this opulent book showcases Vasily Kandinsky’s major paintings from all stages of his career. Featuring around 250 full-colour illustrations, it highlights Kandinsky’s innovative use of colour, shape, and composition. Expert essays explore his Russian roots, the Art Nouveau and Fauvist movements, the Blue Rider group, the influence of music, his years at the Bauhaus, and his later work in Paris. This beautifully designed volume offers a detailed and accessible overview of Kandinsky’s most significant works, celebrating his groundbreaking artistic vision.
WHY IT IS A FLUXX PICK
Vasily Kandinsky is a true icon of modern art—widely regarded as the pioneer of abstraction and a visionary who believed in the spiritual power of color and form. This beautifully illustrated book is an essential addition to any art lover’s library. Whether you’re already a devoted admirer of Kandinsky or are just beginning to explore his work, the book offers a compelling and accessible journey through his groundbreaking practice. Rich with insight, context, and visual inspiration, it’s perfect for those who want to better understand the artist’s impact or simply appreciate the striking beauty of his compositions. For us, it’s a staple title for anyone curious about the roots of abstract art and one of the most expressive artists of the 20th century.
ART: THE DEFINITIVE VISUAL GUIDE
Discover all you need to know about art history in this definitive guide. Art: The Definitive Visual Guide brings a gallery of more than 2,500 of the world's finest paintings and sculptures into your home.
Spanning 30,000 years, from cave paintings to contemporary art, this stunning chronological exploration of every major artistic movement introduces the major milestones of each period, from the tomb paintings of Ancient Egypt, Qing Dynasty Chinese art, through to 20th century Cubism and African art today.
Dedicated spreads explain how art works, for example, introducing how artists use colour and composition. A visual timeline of key works gives an overview of the scope of each major movement, and each era and art movement is introduced with key information, placing art in the context of its time.
WHY IT IS A FLUXX PICK
A staple in our personal art library, Art: The Definitive Visual Guide is our go-to recommendation for anyone looking to explore the world of art—whether you’re new to the subject, building a collection of beautiful coffee table books, or simply seeking a deeper appreciation for visual culture. This book offers an accessible, beautifully curated overview of global art history.
Each page is rich with imagery and insight, making it equally valuable as a learning tool and a visual escape. It introduces key artistic movements, contextualises them within their time periods, and explains the fundamentals of how art works—from the power of composition to the language of colour. If you’re curious about the basics or want to explore different eras and styles at your own pace, this book is the perfect starting point.
Timeless, inspiring, and informative, it’s a cornerstone of our Fluxx Reads book club and a title we return to again and again.
HELEN FRANKENTHALER: PAINTING WITHOUT RULES
Helen Frankenthaler, a key figure in postwar American abstraction, transformed the art world with her no-rules approach and innovative soak-stain technique. Bridging Abstract Expressionism and Colour Field painting, she redefined both the genre and the role of women artists. Active for over six decades, her work explored the relationship between colour, form, and space, inspiring generations of artists. Painting without Rules showcases Frankenthaler’s poetic abstractions, examining her influences and artistic connections with contemporaries like Robert Motherwell, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko.
WHY IT IS A FLUXX PICK
We highly recommend Helen Frankenthaler: Painting Without Rules for anyone with an appreciation for bold abstraction, artistic evolution, and the quiet power of color. Frankenthaler’s work holds a particular resonance for us—not only for its visual impact but for the deeply personal, intuitive approach it represents. Her ability to break with convention and redefine what painting could be feels as radical now as it did when she first emerged on the scene.
We had the privilege of being invited to the opening of the Helen Frankenthaler exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao—an experience that left a lasting impression. Seeing her work in person, surrounded by the scale and sensitivity of the curation, brought a new depth to our understanding of her practice. Her art speaks in layers—of time, emotion, and place—each piece a conversation between form and feeling.
We’ve shared our impressions and highlights from the exhibition in a dedicated feature, which you can explore here. It’s a fitting companion to this beautifully produced book, which we consider essential reading for anyone interested in modern art, creative process, or the enduring impact of a truly visionary artist.