This article introduces TASCHEN’s Basic Art Series, a collection of books that each explore a major art movement or artist. If you’re an artist or designer looking to broaden your understanding, these books are essential. They cover not only the central figures of each movement, but also the lesser-known but equally influential artists.


Abstract Art: Let’s Get Abstract – Making Sense of Revolutionary New Forms

Abstract Art: Let’s Get Abstract
Abstract Art: Let’s Get Abstract

Let’s delve into the book on abstract art entitled “Let’s Get Abstract – Making Sense of Revolutionary New Forms”. Written by Dietmar Elger, this book provides an essential introduction to the broad international scope and profound conceptual depth of abstract art. Beginning in the early 20th century, the narrative traces the movement’s journey from challenging the established norms of clear forms to presenting audiences with vibrant visual poems. This shift ushered in a new language of art free of traditional representational imagery. Key figures such as Picasso, Klee, Kline, Rothko, and Pollock are discussed alongside others such as Antoni Tàpies and Sophie Taeuber-Arp. This 96-page book is a valuable part of the Basic Art Series for anyone interested in the seismic shifts in art during this period.

Embark on a journey through the vibrant and thought-provoking world of abstract art. This guide by Dietmar Elger is your key to understanding the evolution of this artistic movement. Here’s where you can get your copy:

  • Purchase this insightful guide from Amazon, “Abstract Art” and enjoy a deep dive into the revolutionary forms that changed art forever.
  • If you prefer, visit AbeBooks to get your copy of “Abstract Art” and immerse yourself in the narrative that spans the monumental shifts in abstract art from Picasso to Pollock.
  • For a special edition, check out TASCHEN’s Abstract Art offerings.

Abstract Expressionism: Mood Marks – The Painterly Gestures of Personal Feelings

Abstract Expressionism: Mood Marks
Abstract Expressionism: Mood Marks

Next, consider the book “Abstract Expressionism: Mood Marks – The Painterly Gestures of Personal Feelings” by Barbara Hess. This work explores the Abstract Expressionist movement, in which artists used paint to express personal emotions in a non-representational way. Highlighting 20 key artists, including Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, the book details how this movement made New York the center of the art world, a status previously held by Paris. This narrative covers not only the artistic achievements, but also the cultural shifts of the era. Hess’s expertise as an art historian and critic enriches the book’s 96 pages, making it a key resource in the Basic Art Series.

Immerse yourself in the passionate and expressive world of Barbara Hess’ Abstract Expressionism. Discover how this movement transformed New York into an art capital through the eyes of 20 influential artists. Here’s how you can get your hands on this enlightening read:

  • To get this in-depth exploration from Amazon, purchase “Abstract Expressionism” and experience the personal and painterly gestures that define the movement.
  • For those who prefer a different source, check out AbeBooks to find “Abstract Expressionism” and delve deeper into the emotional intensity and cultural shifts detailed by Hess.
  • You can also order this in-depth guide from TASCHEN’s Abstract Expressionism.

Bacon: Forms of Feeling – The Human Body In Distress

Bacon: Forms of Feeling
Bacon: Forms of Feeling

The book “Bacon: Forms of Feeling – The Human Body in Distress” provides a focused look at Francis Bacon, one of the most influential painters of the 20th century, through the lens of author Luigi Ficacci. Known for transforming inner psychological turmoil into tangible figurative forms, Bacon’s work is powerfully portrayed in this volume. His portraits, often grotesque and claustrophobic, were groundbreaking in their overt depiction of homosexual themes. This exploration, part of the Basic Art Series, spans 96 pages and offers a compelling glimpse into Bacon’s influence on the depiction of the human condition.

Explore the intense and evocative world of Francis Bacon with Bacon: Forms of Emotion by Luigi Ficacci. This book explores Bacon’s unique ability to translate inner psychological turmoil into compelling figurative art. Here’s where to find this insightful volume:

  • Purchase this in-depth study of Bacon from Amazon and explore how Bacon’s groundbreaking work reshaped the depiction of the human form.
  • Alternatively, visit AbeBooks to secure your copy of Bacon and immerse yourself in the study of Bacon’s intense and emotional artistic expression.
  • For a beautifully produced edition, see TASCHEN’s Bacon: Forms of Feeling.

Bauhaus: Designs of The Time – The Most Famous Art School of Modernity

Bauhaus: Designs of The Time
Bauhaus: Designs of The Time

Finally, “Bauhaus: Designs of the Time,” by Magdalena Droste and edited by Peter Gössel, presents the Bauhaus school’s brief but profound influence on modern art and design. Although it was closed down by the Nazis after only 14 years, the Bauhaus movement remains a cornerstone of modernist development and a model for combining art and technology in education. This book celebrates the school’s adventurous spirit and its role in shaping a utopian vision of the future. Part of the Basic Art Series, this 96-page book is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and innovation in art education.

Immerse yourself in the revolutionary world of the Bauhaus movement with Bauhaus: Designs of the Time by Magdalena Droste, edited by Peter Gössel. This book captures the Bauhaus school’s profound influence on modern art and design, showcasing its blend of creativity and technological innovation. Here’s how to get your copy of this essential read:

  • To add this essential exploration of this unique movement to your collection from Amazon, purchase “Bauhaus” and discover the school’s adventurous spirit and lasting influence on the development of modernism.
  • Explore this enlightening volume on AbeBooks and delve into the Bauhaus’ utopian vision of the future.
  • You can also get a beautifully designed edition of this book from TASCHEN by exploring “Bauhaus: Designs of the Time.

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