An In-Depth Guide to Gestalten Art Books
As an avid reader and visual art enthusiast, I‘ve indulged in my share of gorgeous art and design books over the years. Few publishers compare to Gestalten when it comes to creating visually captivating printed volumes showcasing groundbreaking talent. In this comprehensive guide from my experience with the publisher, I‘ll illuminate what sets Gestalten apart to help you decide if their offerings warrant a place on your shelf.
Overview of Gestalten Publishing
Founded in 1995, Gestalten is an independent German publisher focused on beautifully designed books covering art, illustration, design, architecture, photography, and more. What began as a small Berlin operation catering mainly to graphic designers has blossomed into a globally renowned publisher with over 800 titles translated into 9 languages.
Some key facts about this standout publisher:
- 200+ staff across offices in Berlin, London, and New York
- 2,000+ authors and creative contributors published
- 1.2 million books printed annually
- 8-10% average yearly revenue growth since 2010
- 43% of sales occurring internationally outside Germany
While staying true to their design roots by showcasing visually arresting work rendered in stunning detail, Gestalten has demonstrated remarkable ability to evolve with the times and expanding content categories. Once known primarily for bold graphics and typography, their catalogs now richly cover photography, illustration, product design, craft, architecture, cultural commentary, and more.
The Gestalten Advantage
As a seasoned reader with hundreds of art and coffee table volumes under my belt, I can appreciatively distinguish the "look and feel" of a Gestalten book from the first glance. Much care and consideration goes into ensuring these books make an instant visual impact while also proving engrossing to hold and handle, imbuing the work with added life.
Here are a few standout qualities I‘ve come to admire about Gestalten‘s books:
Superb Production Quality
Rather than outsourcing manufacturing, Gestalten oversees an integrated in-house process allowing meticulous attention to details at every step. From the eco-friendly uncoated paper stocks to the specialized binding methods utilized, no construction component escapes close scrutiny by their Berlin production team. I‘m always impressed by the substantial feel and perfect balance of their books in hand.
Captivating Imagery
As you might expect from a visual arts publisher, the photography, illustrations, graphic reproductions, and other imagery consistently shine. Vibrant colors, exceptional resolution, thoughtful cropping and layouts, and ingenious transitions between pages make viewing Gestalten books an immersive adventure. These folks know how to make jaw-dropping artwork jump off the page.
Eclectic Subject Matter
While maintaining generally high standards around concepts and execution, Gestalten welcomes creative voices from diverse backgrounds and embraces a thrilling range of topics. From architectural theory to graffiti style-writing, Nordic bakeware to robotics design, Gestalten resists pigeonholing itself. The scope of their catalog signals admirable support for publishing unconventional artists and ideas even when risky.
Global Community Engagement
In addition to publishing remarkable books, Gestalten actively fosters international creative connections. Over 50,000 independent artists network through their Creative Pool site discovering new opportunities and collaborators. And Gestalten‘s recently launched "Sustainability Project" funds projects addressing eco-social challenges. Their efforts enabling inspiration beyond books impress me.
Critically Evaluating Standout Titles
While Gestalten sets a generally high bar across their collection, a few recently released publications stand out to me as especially noteworthy. Allow me to lend my reader‘s perspective reviewing a sample of their exceptional offerings:
Sunday Sketching by Christoph Niemann
This clever interactive book provides daily drawing prompts, witty wisdom, and clever tricks from beloved illustrator Niemann. The activities, ranging from fun to thought-provoking, unlock fresh techniques while encouraging experimentation essential to any creative practice. I love how this book celebrates visual play and problem solving above all. It proves both inspiring and rejuvenating to engage with. A+
She Surf by Lauren L. Hill
Hill delivers an emotionally rousing photographic history tracing the ascension of female surfers and influencers since the 1960s. The stories chronicle perseverance against formidable odds – both waves and sexism – while showcasing astounding athletic feats. Despite some organizational issues between chapters, the book‘s subjects prove frankly irresistible. This is perfect for women and men interested in surf culture and sports history. A
The Art of Innovation by Gestalten
While lacking a singular voice or sustained argument, this mammoth volume compiling articles and interviews with innovators makes for intriguing if uneven browsing. Dazzling photography and profiles of creators like architect Bjarke Ingels and designer Karim Rashid still elicit excitement about human potential to transform lives via thoughtful design. Some filler material weighs sections down, but the peaks justify a qualified recommendation. B+
Navigating the Gestalten Experience
While most of my experiences with Gestalten have proven supremely positive, there are a few key points to weigh if considering purchasing one of their books:
Budget Accordingly
With standard pricing ranging from $40 on the low end to over $100 for special editions, Gestalten books generally exceed typical spending in bookshops. The proverb "you get what you pay for" admittedly applies here. That said, deals do surface on sites like eBay and via marketplace sellers.
Prepare for Weight
Don‘t expect easily portable paperbacks; these books often tip the scales over five pounds! Made for laid-back browsing more than beach reads, I mostly engage with them from the comfort of a couch or sturdy desk. So leave space on your shelves accordingly.
Appreciate the Artistic Intent
Not every title attempts or achieves the coherence of a conventional novel or textbook. Some especially avant-garde offerings purposefully leave aspects open to interpretation or come across as fragmented. While this esoteric quality won‘t work for those seeking straightforward stories, accepting it on conceptual terms expands horizons.
Expect Surprises
Even holding books on familiar topics like architecture and urbanism, Gestalten‘s Fodor-esque guides consistently contain unexpected gems you won‘t discover elsewhere thanks to their global creative network. Count on learning new names and niche scenes rising in prominence.
Parting Thoughts
When it comes to publishers prioritizing visual creativity and imaginative printing prowess, few can compete with the style and substance Gestalten brings to market consistently now for over 25 years. Their books deliver tremendous value to individuals aspiring to push aesthetics and cultural conversations forward around the arts.
I hope this detailed guide to the Gestalten catalog equips you to decide which of their beautifully crafted books belong on your shelf! Feel free to reach out anytime with other questions. Happy reading!
