I stumbled upon the German translation ofWe Are Artists – Women Who Made Their Mark on the Worldin a book shop at the end of last year. Anything with Frida Kahlo on it, will get my attention. I browsed the book and liked the concept so much that I didn’t bother ordering the original but bought the German edition immediately. Comparing the two covers, I’m glad I did as I find the German cover more compelling. Both editions were published at the end of 2019.
Kari Herbert’s book is an homage to fifteen female artists from around the world. It’s illustrated with the works of the artists and illustrations in honor of the painters done by Kari Herbert herself.
At the beginning of each chapter is a full color portrait of the artists by Herbert, followed by an illustrated fictional text and a short biography featuring chosen paintings of the artist.
Here’s the example of Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gil
The chapter on Mexican artist Frida Kahlo
Some of the pictures from the chapter of Finnish artist Tove Jansson
And the French painter Suzanne Valadon
Here is one of my favourites, a painting by Australian painter Emily Kame Kngwarreye
While this isn’t a book meant for children, it offers an excellent introduction for younger people. The way Herbert illustrated the book, inspired by the different artists, is in itself inspiring too.
Anyone who loves art, colour, and creativity, would enjoy this. It would also make an excellent gift.
