Top 15 Anticipated Art Books to Read in 2026
It’s a new year, and with it comes an exciting lineup of art books that promise to captivate and inspire. Whether your interests lie in art criticism, exhibition catalogs, or thought-provoking art-themed novels, 2026 has something in store for every aficionado. Notably, this year features Sarah Ahmed’s exploration of activist art and the reissued monograph on Corita Kent, an iconic art activist. Eileen G’Sell, a frequent contributor to Hyperallergic, offers an intriguing take on the cultural significance of lipstick. As Natalie Haddad, reviews editor, notes, 2026 is set to be a year of rewarding reading.
One of the standout releases is “The Lost World: The Art of Minnie Evans,” edited by Katherine Jentleson, which serves as a catalog for Evans’s exhibition at the High Museum in Atlanta. Evans, a pioneering Black artist, fused spiritual visions with everyday experiences in the American South, creating a unique artistic legacy that’s vividly captured in this book.
Another significant entry is “Painters, Ports, and Profits: Artists and the East India Company, 1750–1850,” offering insights into the artists who navigated the complex relationships between art and commerce in Company-dominated markets.
“Someday is Now: The Art of Corita Kent,” edited by Ian Berry and Michael Duncan, revisits Kent’s blend of pop art and activism. This reissued volume highlights Kent’s innovative spirit and enduring influence.
Eileen G’Sell’s “Lipstick: Object Lessons” offers a unique exploration of a makeup tool that has transcended fashion to become a tool of personal and cultural expression, drawing on interviews and historical context.
“The Absent Stone” by Sandra Rozental examines the controversial relocation of an Aztec monument and its lasting impact on cultural memory, delving into themes of patrimony and state power.
Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood’s “The Atlas of World Embroidery” provides a visually stunning journey through the rich global traditions of embroidery, underscoring the historical significance of this often-overlooked art form.
Sara Ahmed’s “No!: The Art+Activism of Complaining” reimagines the role of complaints as an important form of social and political resistance, offering insightful narratives and analyses of ignored grievances.
For fiction enthusiasts, Ben Lerner’s “Transcription” promises an inventive narrative centered on art criticism, while Ann Patchett’s “Whistler” is set in The Met, poised to blend vivid storytelling with the allure of the art world.
“Black Curators Matter,” edited by Kellie Jones and Tumelo Mosaka, offers a polyvocal exploration of the art world’s evolution through conversations that examine intertwined themes of art, advocacy, and change.
Tom Overton’s “The Storyteller: John Berger’s Lives” provides an in-depth portrait of the legendary art historian, enriched by personal conversations and scholarly research.
Finally, the year brings the highly anticipated “The Catalogue for the 61st International Venice Biennale,” honoring Koyo Kouoh’s curatorial vision, promising to explore the nuanced spaces between art forms and experiences.
These works collectively promise to enrich 2026’s cultural landscape, offering readers a plethora of insights and reflections on the diverse, dynamic world of art.