Surveillance Era: The Works and Influence of David Wojnarowicz

Happy New Year! As we kick off 2026, our latest book reviews highlight significant works that delve into art, history, and identity. Among these is Sue Roe’s “Hidden Portraits: Six Women Who Shaped Picasso’s Life,” which critically examines the complex relationships between Pablo Picasso and the women whose legacies have been overshadowed by his fame. Critic Bridget Quinn provides insight into Roe’s narrative, which focuses more on Picasso’s domineering persona than the creative contributions of these women.

Another compelling read is Lavinia Liang’s discussion on David Wojnarowicz’s work. His evocative photographs resonate with themes of visibility and resistance, offering lessons pertinent to the current age of surveillance.

For those interested in cultural heritage, Joanna Barakat’s reflections on Palestinian embroidery—featured in Greta Rainbow’s article—underscore the significance of “tatreez” not only as an art form but as a medium of cultural expression and identity.

Our selection also includes a monograph on the Canadian painter Louis de Niverville, whose dreamlike works were shaped by childhood isolation, exploring the depth of fantasy and subconscious.

Don’t miss our curated list of the best books of 2025, along with an engrossing account of art theft in Erin L. Thompson’s “The Rembrandt Heist,” as described in Myles Connor’s audacious exploits.

Whether you’re exploring new critiques or revisiting classics like Ta-Nehisi Coates’s “The Message,” our first 2026 edition offers something for every avid reader.