Seven essential books to explore the world of art

From the mysteries of the Mona Lisa to the impact of Latin American art, a selection of titles for readers of all ages to explore the visual universe, diversity, culture and contemporary aesthetics.

Art, in its many forms, is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and reflection throughout the centuries. In a publishing landscape full of novelties, some books manage to capture certain interesting edges of that visual universe, and offer the reader a deep look at the works, artists and movements that have defined the course of cultural history.

That is why we show you a selection of seven books to start reading about art and fully immerse yourself in the visual universe through reading.

The book Diversity and Latin American Art by Andrea Giunta (Siglo XXI) examines the work of Latin American artists who broke barriers of gender, race and sexuality, challenging the artistic canon. Through their works, these creators make visible marginalized cultures and affections. Giunta, a renowned researcher and author, analyzes the artistic journey from the sixties to the present in countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, addressing issues such as the role of women, racism and sexual diversity.

Elena Oliveras, in Distopías y microutopías (Paidós), explores how 21st century art reflects both dystopian visions and small spaces of hope, called microutopias. Oliveras highlights how contemporary art acts as resistance to global crises such as climate change and violence, proposing new perspectives.

Aisenberg (Adriana Hidalgo Editora) is a work that compiles the career of Diana Aisenberg, a key artist in Argentine art. The book highlights her impact as a teacher and her feminist and experimental works, while delving into her pedagogical method.
In Devenir obra de arte (Caja Negra Editora), Boris Groys analyzes the aestheticization of contemporary life, from the creation of public identities on the internet to the relationship between the ephemeral and the immortal in art.

Ways of Seeing by John Berger (Editorial GG) offers a critique of how art and advertising influence the modern gaze, exploring topics such as the representation of women in painting and the evolution of visual art in the contemporary world.

Movimiento sorpresa, by Julio Le Parc, is one of the most outstanding books for children about art in recent years. Edited by Pequeño Editor and written by Vali Guidalevich, PhD in Arts and Education, the book invites young people to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of shapes and colors of the iconic Mendoza artist. With an accessible approach, Guidalevich explores Le Parc's biography and presents his unique artistic style in a close and didactic way.

The Theft of the Mona Lisa, written by Franco Vaccarini and illustrated by Jimena Tello, tells the fascinating true story of the theft of Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous painting in 1911. The story follows detective René Didot and young copyist Jules Chigot as they investigate the disappearance of the iconic work from the Louvre Museum, a mystery that kept the world in suspense for more than two years. With a fast-paced and mysterious style, Vaccarini offers young readers an intriguing adventure based on historical facts.