The ArtCurious Guide: Our Just-For-Fun Gifts
We love books! We love serious and thoughtful takes on all things art history! But we also just love FUN things. Here are my recommendations for some fun artsy presents for the loved ones in your life.
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The Marina Abramović Method: Instructions to Reboot Your Life
A unique, boxed set of 30 instruction cards by Marina Abramovic to teach you this legend of performance art's method for reaching a higher consciousness and confronting life's challenges.
Using exercises Marina Abramovic has developed for herself to prepare for her incredible performance works, the Method will help you focus, reconnect with the present, and locate your highest creative potential.
Art Oracles: Creative & Life Inspiration from Great Artists
Last year I featured the Art Oracles tarot deck, but this year I’m mixing it up with this gorgeous Pre-Raphaelite one. The vivid colors and medieval imagery of the Pre-Raphaelite movement makes for a tarot deck that is rich with a sense of mystery and romance. Luigi Costa, illustrator of the Mystical Tarot Deck (9780738753782), has created a work of unsurpassed beauty and deep spiritual power. This deck, based on the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith cards, is at once cryptic and insightful, the perfect combination of qualities for readers and collectors alike.
Andy Warhol Marilyn Eye Mask
Give the gift of Andy with this fetching eye mask by Gallison, licensed by the Andy Warhol Foundation. It features Warhol’s iconic Marilyn Monroe (from his 1967 series) printed on satin over a soft floss filling. Presented in a box with peekaboo window, this is a stocking stuffer even Marilyn herself would have loved.
Jackson Pollock: Convergence Jigsaw Puzzle
Here’s a gift for both art lovers and art sadists! In 1964, Springbok Editions issued Jackson Pollock’s Convergence as a 340-piece jigsaw that was touted as “the world’s most difficult puzzle.” With this 1,000-piece reemergence of Convergence, Pomegranate just about triples the challenge. I mean, this is awesome, but also: best of luck to you all.
Chalier Art Socks
This was included in last year’s holiday gift guide (and the year before— that’s how fun they are!), but you have all told me that it was a gifty fave, so it’s making a comeback! I can’t think of a better way to wear my love of art on my sleeve…than to wear them on my feet (sorry not sorry). You have the opportunity to customize your selection, choosing between a dozen different artworks and between either 4 or 6 pairs of socks. I want these, by the way.
Van Gogh Almond Blossoms LOQI Tote
“I have too many tote bags!” SAYS NOBODY. This water-resistant, super durable one also folds up into a teeny little rectangle, so storage is a breeze. It’s also available in his equally-popular Starry Night, Sunflowers, and other motif at the same price point.
Van Gogh not your style? No worries: they’ve got Monet and more, too.
Modern Art Desserts: Recipes for Cakes, Cookies, Confections, and Frozen Treats Based on Iconic Works of Art
You had me at the cover, y’all. A MONDRIAN CAKE. I am not a talented baker, but I love some good eye candy, so this one is perfect for all you Great British Bake-Off fans who like a little art history thrown into the mix. Now… who’s going to bake this for me?!
A Woman’s Place is in The Museum T-Shirt
THIS T-SHIRT. THIS ONE RIGHT HERE. Available in four colors, this one is sure to be a classic with art historians everywhere— and it’s a great gift for grads, too! It’s also available in v-neck and short-sleeved varieties, too.
LEGO Art: Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night
Last year, I featured the awesome LEGO rendition of Andy Warhol’s Marilyn, but this year, I’m going Van Gogh. This one, created in collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art, even features your very own Vincent mini-figure, replete with palette, easel, and canvas (and both ears, I suspect).
Vermeer Coloring Book: 10 Masterpieces from 17th Century
Art history coloring books are legion, but I love the idea of getting immersed into Vermeer’s beautiful and precise world. Plus, it’s currently retailing for $6.99, so it makes a great and inexpensive present (or white elephant gift! or stocking stuffer!).
