Reading Art 1

In the art ecosystem, books and publications play an important role in circulating the visual languages and ideas generated by artists and thinkers. We chatted with André Sales of Clarke’s Bookshop, who runs the store’s renowned collection of specialty books, including an abundant selection of art publications. Well-loved by Capetonians and visitors alike, Clarke’s operates as a respected pillar in artistic and African literary circles.

 

 

The independent bookshop houses a variety of reading genres, which generally focus particularly on topics related to the African continent. We asked André to offer some of his recommendations for important reads to stay up-to-date and excited about the art world today.

 

 

André: “A really important, tiny introduction to the life and work of Esther Mahlangu. I feel the book doesn't really do her work justice but is nonetheless important as a symbol of her status in contemporary South African art.”

 

André: “An in-depth biography that draws on personal archives and interviews to look at both the art and politics of Omar Badsha's life. Magaziner is an historian who has written on Black Consciousness and South African art, so is positioned well to write this.”

 

André: “A book that is rich both in text and illustration. There is very little published on video art in South Africa, and this format (almost like a flip book) really works well. It's lovely to look at and insightful to read.”

 

André: “I find anything that the Art Institute of Chicago publishes immensely interesting. This exhibition catalogue is dense with text and imagery exploring cultural Pan-Africanism since the early 1900s.”

 

André: “Stevenson has been the benchmark of local art publishing and this is their latest. A wide ranging look at Jane Alexander's work, starting with a recent installation/exhibition. As with most important South African artists, there aren't nearly enough books on her work, so this is an important addition.”

 

André: “This catalogue presents as a sort of scrapbook of an exhibition held in Cologne in 2020. The publication spans global resistance against colonialism, and concludes with the restitution of Benin Court artifacts held at the RJM in Cologne where the exhibition was held.”

 

 

André's passion for the genres, creative processes and artistic histories captured in the store's books is remarkably clear. While discussing his recommendations, he enthusiastically selected and described a handful of books with much care and reverence.

 

As the books were photographed, some new additions also made their way into his recommended pile. These included:

 

A monograph featuring the work of artist Sanell Aggenbach. André made particular note of the beautiful visuals and design of the book.

 

A new arrival to the store, this photobook was brought out by André still within its shipping packaging. The pages of mixed media illustrations offer an intimate space for reflection of the artist's childhood, and his imagination.

 

Discover more on your favourite artists and their ideas, and enjoy André's collection of recommended books to deepen your art knowledge.