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Central Nigerian Art Revisited. Mumuye and Surrounding Peoples

79.00

In previous studies, Jan Strybol pointed out that – contrary to popular belief – sculpture flourished in northern Nigeria. Wood sculptures could be found just about everywhere, with the exception of part of the Far North. In this study, the author first examines the sculptural traditions of a number of peoples in central Nigeria, more specifically from the Jos Plateau and from the Middle Benue Valley to the source area of the Taraba River. These peoples can be described as non-centralised communities where art was mainly produced in perishable materials by part-time artists, in contrast to the centralised empires in the South (Ife, Benin) where full-time specialist sculptors created complex artefacts in durable materials (stone, bronze, iron).

Perhaps the most familiar ethnic group in the Central Benue region to lovers of African art are the Mumuye. Since the end of the last century, as a result of the advance of world religions, the traditional rites of the Mumuye have rapidly disappeared and with them the Mumuye sculptural tradition so much admired in Europe and America.

In addition to wood sculpture, Jan Strybol also pays attention to objects in bronze, iron, terracotta and other materials. These art forms have been very underexposed until now and have almost completely vanished. Finally, the author also delves into the artistic achievements of some little-known remnant groups within the Mumuye territory, which can boast of a rich art tradition.

28 x 21 cm
192 p, hardback
Also available in French: 978-90-5856-693-5

Ikebana. Opposites Attract

65.00

Our world is built upon the fusion of opposites going back and forth until they harmonise. Like the poles of a magnet, these antithetical concepts define each other and cannot exist without each other. Contrasts, opposites and differences keep life interesting even though keeping a balance between two opposing forces is often difficult, especially when we understand that one cannot be achieved without experiencing the other.  

Floral design, Ikebana in particular, is often a balancing act in itself. Ikebana pieces strive for harmony between straight and curved lines, a right balance between taking away and adding elements, between adhering to the rules and breaking them.   

Opposites Attractuses the idea of opposition and contrast as a starting point. Starting from an antonym pair, more than 150 international ikebanists created inspiring and powerful arrangements expressing two opposing feelings and concepts. The multifaceted ways in which these contrasts were given shape, attest to the creativity and ingenuity of our artists and the sheer versatility of Ikebana. 

 

29 x 24 cm

256 p, hard cover

English edition

Belgian Street Art Today

49.90

For the very first time an overview is published featuring the works of Belgium’s finest street art and graffiti artists. Belgian Street Art Today contains a selection of works made by fifty selected artists, such as Roa, Djoels, Dzia, Jaune, Mata One, 2 Dirty, Bué The Warrior, Joachim, Zenith…

Some of these artists are working around the globe and have received international acclaim; a few of them are even represented by prestigious art galleries abroad.

The selection is preceded by a brief history of street art and a never-before-published comprehensive overview of street art projects and street art and graffiti walks in Belgium. Therefore this book is a must-have for art lovers looking for insider tips and unique experiences.

For more than two years, photographer Vincent Willems crisscrossed Belgium in search of the most spectacular interventions and murals, a passion culminating in this stunning book.

 

26 x 21 cm

240 pages, hardback

English texts

L’Art de vivre en Provence. Arles, Les Alpilles & La Camargue

115.00

His search for top culinary addresses brought photographer Henk van Cauwenbergh to the region that thrilled him more than 30 years ago. During the unforgettable years working alongside the famous fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh, he lost his heart to Provence. Henk van Cauwenbergh shows us the pure and unspoilt Camargue, the romantic landscape of the Alpilles, the whimsical beauty of the rock formations of Les Baux and, last but not least, Arles, that beautiful historical art city that has so much to offer.

44 x 31 cm

176 pages, hard back

Texts in English and French

Les / The Tshokwe

45.00

The Tshokwe are a major people of Central Africa who have been present for six centuries on the borders of Zambia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their structured social organization gave them a military and commercial advantage. 

Thanks to this dominant position, they have developed an artistic heritage which gradually became their main identity factor. 

Today, there are two million Tshokwe, half of whom reside in Congo DRC. The people continue to assert their desire to exist through their culture. And the power of their art is internationally recognized. 

 

This reference work allows us to discover the daily life of the Tshokwe but also their crafts, the symbolism of their masks, the power of their rites and the fervor of their popular festivals. It makes us understand how their attachment to tradition helps them to chart a course for the future. 

Author Angelo Turconi has spent over fifty years photographing the artworks, culture and traditions of the DRC.

192 pagina’s

33,5 x 24 cm, hard cover

International Floral Art 2021-’22

59.90

International Floral Art 2021/2022 is the result of a careful selection of top works from hundreds of world-renowned floral artists. The book is a unique source of inspiration, a sumptuous ode to nature and the boundlessness of human creativity.

More than 130 floral designers let their imagination run wild and explore the limits of craftsmanship to let us enjoy the unexpected. Both established floral artists and the new generation of top florists will amaze and seduce with spectacular creations that bear witness to a strong artistic vision, great craftsmanship and an unbridled fantasy.

International Floral Art 2021/2022, the ninth volume in the series, has once again become a collector’s item, a beautiful coffee-table book with more than 240 designs that fire the imagination.

Creativity with Flowers. A Collection of Floral Recipes

65.00

Acclaimed florists Per Benjamin (SE) and Max van de Sluis (NL) share their extensive knowledge in the field of floral art in this voluminous recipe book. Step by step they create bouquets, table decorations, arrangements with cut flowers and plants, wedding flowers, sympathy pieces, festive Christmas decorations and other impressive designs for the home. This book compiles all eight volumes of the popular (and sold out) series Creativity with Flowers. It covers a nice mix of commercial and artistic designs and caters both to the hobbyist and the professional. In addition to the hundreds of arrangements, both florists graciously grant us a peek behind the scenes, they explain their way of working, sources of inspiration, thought process and creativity to encourage the reader to do more than merely copy their arrangements. The ultimate goal of this book is not only to provide the necessary tools and techniques, but also to give florists the confidence to develop into artists with a personal style and a unique artistic personality.

The Legendary DC-3 – Around the World

49.90

Exactly seventy-seven years to the day since its first flight. Between March and September 2017, the DC-3 HB-IRJ undertook a great world tour. A new accomplishment for this legendary airplane that has marked the history of aviation forever. Highlights of this epic journey have been captured in stunning images by world-renowned aviation photographer Katsuhiko Tokunaga. You will find a fine selection of these superb photographs in this book, commented by the protagonists of this incredible adventure.

The World of Colour according to Per Benjamin

59.90

In the past ten years, Swedish floral designer Per Benjamin has developed his own colour theory for florists. The World of Colour according to Per Benjamin is an educational, entertaining and inspirational book in which Per Benjamin explains his colour theory in detail, both in theory and in practice. The photographs are a mix of studio work, outdoor arrangements and impressive pieces created for the decoration of events such as the Nobel Prize presentation. Taken together, they are the perfect illustration of the inexhaustible possibilities with colour and provide the florist with a perfect guide to easily put together a harmonious palette.

The quest for the black rose

110.00

The ultimate reference in every rose lover’s library! The mysterious story of a more than 4 century old quest for the black rose. Does the black rose exist, or has it ever existed? The complete history of this noble flower, based on authentic research, shows that the quest for the black rose goes back to the very earliest botanical writings. The Quest for the Black Rose is a prestigious edition of 43 by 31 centuries with splendid artistic photographs of old and contemporary roses. This utmost high-quality book also contains beautiful old colour drawings of dark roses. Prominent florists of world renown show creations with this unique flower.

For the Dutch edition, see ‘De zoektocht naar de zwarte roos’

Kobe – Ingenious simplicity

45.00

Kobe, artistic pseudonym of Jacques Saelens (1950-2014), made sculptures that flirt with two-dimensionality his trademark. His broad, thin figures hardly use the third dimension and incarnate quite a few contradictions.