16. books Our this issue feature fascinating people, buildings and histories
Fascinating people, buildings and histories are the subject of this selection of inspiring reads.
1 COLOUR: A VISUAL HISTORY
By Alexandra Loske Ilex, R659
Art historian, curator and editor Alexandra Loske has partnered with the UK’s Tate collection of
modern and contemporary art to create a book that looks at the fascinating history of how Western colour has been recorded, explored and understood. Using painter’s tools, art, printed ephemera and literature, it charts the journey of colour exploration, expression and discovery using an extraordinary collection of original colour material that includes charts, wheels, artists’ palettes, swatches and rare documentary images. Essentially a review of colour theory, it takes you from the 18th century’s colour revolution (inspired by Newton splitting white light into the rainbow spectrum), through to the current Pantone Colour Standard charts via various influential artists, designers and even psychologists. And if you think it sounds a bit sciencey, don’t be put off. Even if you’re just generally interested in the colour that fills your life and surroundings, you’ll find this fascinating.
2 CÉCILE
By Kerryn Fischer Cécile & Boyd, R390
As co-founder Boyd Ferguson says, it is fitting that in the year renowned design and retail business Cécile & Boyd celebrates its 30th birthday, there’s a book to celebrate the life of the other half of the duo. Cécile Tilley passed away in 2014 and through insights from those who knew her best and were nurtured and inspired by her, and a wonderful selection of images, the book charts her life from growing up in Mauritius in the 1920s/30s and through her five-decade-long career that included being a restaurant owner, decorator and of course the beginnings and growth of Cécile & Boyd.
3 BETWEEN DREAMS AND REALITIES
By Marilyn Martin
Print Matters Heritage, R599
Written by its influential former director Marilyn Martin, this meticulously researched book tells the story of the South African National Gallery, from its roots in 1871 when a bequest of 45 paintings and a sum of money led to the start of a public art gallery, right up to 2019. With beautifully shot images of key artworks, installations and individuals, the narrative looks back through significant exhibitions, and the struggles its directors have faced both in overcoming political agendas and securing funding. It’s been a tough battle – this wonderful building’s decaying exterior is testimony to that – but the book also pays homage to the public funding and support, as well as the staff who have kept it going.
4 THE ILLUSTRATOR
By Julius Wiedemann and Steven Heller Taschen, $60
Definitely an irony-tinged gift for anyone who thought the digital age would mean the end of illustration, this 600-page tome selects what its editors regard as the top 100 illustrators from around the globe. It’s a compelling snapshot of styles and techniques and includes VISI favourites Diana Ejaita, Jean Jullien, Monica Obaga and South African Christi du Toit. You will not only find highquality reproductions of their works, but also a detailed biography of their background, philosophy and motivations. If you’re a working illustrator, considering it as a career option, or just have an interest in the genre, you’ll find this collection both inspiring and Illuminating.