Books

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Julio Pardo 'Because The Girls Got Limits' Hand-Signed Zine

Enter the wonderful world of Julio Pardo. Every picture in this 60 page zine is shot with film, unprepared moments captured through the camera lens of Julio. As he traveled around the world over the past year, this zine is about the memories he's had in NYC, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, Costa Rica, Moscow, and Barcelona. Although this zine does not have any 'words' inside, Julio believes you can read the pictures, and interpret the story by analyzing each photograph. So sit down and relax, grab your cup of coffee, and enjoy a trip! Each zine is hand-signed by Julio Pardo on the inside cover. 8.5" tall x 5.5" wide. by Foreign Family
Availability:60 Page Zine Price: $30.00
Shinganist book

SHINGANIST is a fresh new book, featuring the works of Usugrow, Mozyskey, Toshikazu Nozaka, Bene and Jun Kaneko. Although the history of punk rock, hip hop, skateboarding and graffiti came from America, these artists who were all born and raised in Japan, got inspired by creative imported culture. Although their art is often grouped with "street art," there is a nature extracted from each influence and a natural style that they've looked back at deeply from everyday life in Japan. This is a book of drawings paintings and sketches that gives a greater understanding of all that is Shinganist. by Shinganist
Availability:Hardcover Price: $40.00
My Name Is Charles Saatchi And I Am An Artoholic book

Everything You Need To Know About Art, Ads, Life, God And Other Mysteries And Weren't Afraid To Ask. One of the most influential art collectors of our time and founder of the global advertising agency,Saatchi &Saatchi, Charles Saatchi answers questions about art, collecting and his personal life. Famously reclusive, he has answered with brutal frankness questions put to him by journalists, critics and the general public. With unflinching honesty he reveals his opinions on collecting, artists, dealers, advertising, how to invest in art and his favourite recipe. (Paperback, 176 pages, 7 x 4 3/4 in) by Phaidon
Availability:~~In Stock~~ Price: $9.95
Words Fail Me book

A witty and amusing handbook to the contradictions and inconsistencies of the English language. With imaginative use of typography Words Fail Me highlights tricky words, inconsistent spellings, misleading pronunciation and other quirky characteristics of our mother tongue. Why is abbreviation such a long word? Does monosyllabic really need five syllables? Why is lisp so hard to say if you have one? Did you know that the letters of HONESTLY can be rearranged to read ON THE SLY? A FUNERAL is also REAL FUN and SANTA can easily be turned into SATAN? Perfect for crossword lovers, wordsmiths, designers and anyone with a fascination for words. (Hardcover, 144 pages, 7 3/8 x 4 3/8 in). by Phaidon
Availability:~~In Stock~~ Price: $12.95
Its Not How Good You Are, Its How Good You Want To Be book

It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be is a handbook of how to succeed in the world: a pocket bible for the talented and timid alike to help make the unthinkable thinkable and the impossible possible. The world's top advertising guru, Paul Arden, offers up his wisdom on issues as diverse as problem solving, responding to a brief, communicating, playing your cards right, making mistakes, and creativity - all endeavours that can be applied to aspects of modern life. This uplifting and humorous little book provides a unique insight into the world of advertising and is a quirky compilation of quotes, facts, pictures, wit and wisdom - all packed into easy-to-digest, bit-sized spreads. (Paperback, 128 pages, 7 x 4 3/4 in) by Phaidon
Availability:~~In Stock~~ Price: $8.95
Massive Change book

Massive Change is a modern, illustrated primer on the new inventions, technologies, and events that are affecting the human race worldwide. This book is part of a broader research project by Bruce Mau Design, intended to provoke debate and discussion about the future of design culture - defined generally as the 'familiar objects and techniques that are transforming our lives'. In its totality, this volume embodies a graphic timeline of significant inventions and world events from 10,000 BC to the present, in a sweeping and scintillating intellectual tour de force. (Hardcover, 240 pages, 9 5/8 x 6 3/4 in) by Phaidon
Availability:~~In Stock~~ Price: $29.95
Graphic Agitation 2 book

Graphic Agitation 2, a follow-up volume to the hugely successful Graphic Agitation, is a survey of social and political graphics since the early 1990s. It illustrates and contextualizes work produced in relation to key themes such as environmental movements, the rise of corporate power, identity branding, wars (in the Balkans and the Gulf War) and human rights - all of which have been prominent news items over the last few years. Some of the work is provocative, but the book itself is not out to provoke; it is an objective representation of graphic excellence and wit: the result is visually, psychologically and intellectually stimulating. (Hardcover, 240 pages, 11 3/8 x 9 7/8 in). by Phaidon
Availability:~~In Stock~~ Price: $69.95
A Smile In The Mind book

An exploration of witty thinking - humour, irony, playfulness - in graphic design. Presents the best witty graphics produced over the past 30 years with work from over 300 designers in the US, Britain, Europe and Japan. Uses hundreds of visual examples to illustrate different types of wit in a variety of products, from invitations to annual reports and letterheads. Includes interviews with 26 of the world's top designers, including Ivan Chermayeff, Milton Glaser and John Gorham. (Paperback, 240 pages, 11 3/8 x 9 7/8 in). by Phaidon
Availability:~~In Stock~~ Price: $39.95
KGID (Konstantin Grcic Industrial Design) book

The first monograph on the work of Konstantin Grcic (b.1965), one of the most fascinating and prolific product designers working today. Grcic has been appointed Designer of the Year 2007 by Maison Objets, Paris and Architecktur und Wohnen, Cologne. Showcases a remarkable portfolio of products and design concepts, including such acclaimed objects as the MAYDAY lamp and the die-cast aluminium chair_ONE. Offers a rare insight into Grcic's design process, showing products at different stages of development. Extensively illustrated with colour and black and white photographs, sketches and computer renderings. (Paperback, 240 Pages, 10 5/8 x 8 1/8 in). by Phaidon
Availability:In Stock Price: $39.95
Beautiful Decay: BOOK 2: What A Mess

For those of you that don't know, Beautiful Decay switched up (and in our opinion, improved) their format from a newsstand magazine to an amazing 150+ page book released quarterly with all art and zero advertising. I'm really digging this new look, as it really allows them to get creative and do things out of the bounds of regular magazines. Only 1500 are printed of each issue and they are all numbered on the back. This is their second book so far and the artists of "Book 2: What a Mess!" all interpret the idea of "messiness" whether through disorganized methods of displaying work, or rough hewn aesthetics. Others take a conceptually "messy" approach, creating works that cause public outrage, or manipulate typically taboo imagery or themes. by Beautiful/Decay
Availability:Book Price: $20.00
UP10 Book

This amazing 612 page hardover book features more than two thousand graphics from hundreds of the most recognizable contemporary artists that have appeared on Upper Playground's T-Shirts over the past ten years. Artists include Jeremy Fish, Sam Flores, Dalek, Cody Hudson, Grotesk, Maya Hayuk, Retna, Dave Ellis, David Choe, Morning Breath, Estevan Oriol, Mars-1, Andy Mueller, Greg ?Craola? Simkins, GIANT, Paul Insect, Basco, Munk One, Saber, Marok, Cycle, Alex Pardee, Phase 2, Revolt, Anthony Lister, Masa, Ricky Powell, Tiffany Bozic, Denis Kennedy, Ian Johnson, Herbert Baglione, and many, many more. (612 pages, hardcover. Measures 10 inches tall x 8 inches wide). by Upper Playground
Availability:Book Price: $40.00
Boogie - Istanbul Book

The second volume in the famed street photographer's city series, Boogie's newest collection comes from the streets of Istanbul. The book is a result of a week-long stay Boogie had in the city of Istanbul where he shot photos around the clock, on a mission to capture as much of the city as he possibly could. The results are 96 pages of Boogie's first impression of Istanbul; what the city looks like, feels like and gives off to a tourist in just one week. As with all of Boogie's photos, this collection captures the in-your-face nature of what the urban experience holds. (96 pages, hardcover.) by Upper Playground
Availability:Book Price: $20.00
Backyard Shakedown Photography Book

This book is a collection of photographs showcasing an array of styles and formats seen only through the lens. Featuring David Black, Estevan Oriol, Boogie, Andy Mueller, Heidi Johansen, Dylan Maddux, David Uzzardi, Maya de Forest, Pete Richards, Massan Fluker, Ken Goto, Mike Brodie, Pete Beste, Thomas Cambell and many more. (96 pages, hardcover) by Upper Playground
Availability:Book Price: $20.00
Date Farmers - Super Locos Book

The Date Farmers, Carlos Ramirez and Armando Lerma of Coachella Valley (after meeting each other, they learned that both their fathers farmed dates, hence their name), often collaborate in their art, collage, drawings and words on discarded signs. Reminiscent of Mexican Revolutionary posters a la Pancho Villa, it's as if Cesar Chavez is knocking on our door. Ramirez and Lerma explore the essential reality of the roots of California culture, past and present. Their art depicts Mexican-American religious icons, and their style resembles prison art--their lettering strong, in a low rider tradition of bold sign painting. SUPER LOCOS is The Date Farmer's first book. by Upper Playground
Availability:Book Price: $20.00
Morning Breath - The Early Bird Book

Doug Cunningham and Jason Noto, the team that makes up the Brooklyn-based design firm Morning Breath, have fast-expanded from their roots at Think skateboards to now becoming two of the finest graphic designers working today. Combining found objects and pop-culture throwaways, Morning Breath uses old print advertisements, 1950s and 60s pop-culture images, graffiti writing, pin-up girls and good old-fashioned graphic arts techniques to create their layered canvases. In this book, the duo's first, they show their many personal and commercial art projects, as well as their collaborations with Upper Playground and FIFTY24SF. (96 pages, hardcover) by Upper Playground
Availability:Book Price: $20.00
Basco - Donde Esta Mi Corazon? Book

Since a young age, the Chilean-born Basco has been creating some of the finest and most unique street and fine art in South America. In his book, Basco takes a trip through South America to search through the different artists, cities and cultures for the best artwork being produced. His journey is seen in these pages of photos, collages, drawings and murals, with guest appearances from Herbert Baglione, Agotok, Os Gemeos, Paloma, Nunca, Vitche and others. Seeking the finest of the moment, Basco captures the heart of the most up-and-coming and relevant artists living in South America today. (96 pages, hardcover) by Upper Playground
Availability:Book Price: $20.00
David Ellis and Doze Green - Shaft Book

Two of the most influential graffiti-turned fine artists today, New York City residents Doze Green and David Ellis fuse the true meaning of hip hop with contemporary art styles to create a hybrid of visual sounds that are truly unique and original. In "Shaft" each artist takes their trademark styles and characters and interconnects both elements on a site-specific project upon an elevator shaft. The entire project is documented in this book. (96 pages, softcover, fold-out poster print included, print measures 5-3/4" wide x 6' 4-1/2" inches tall). by Upper Playground
Availability:Book Price: $25.00
'Alianza' book

El Mac's haunting illustrations of human forms are charged with elements of photorealism and the occult. His street art is internationally recognized and he has received commissions throughout the Americas and Europe. RETNA's iconography ranges from heiroglyphics recalling Mayan and Egyptian art to the style of Byzantine mosaics. He employs highly evocative forms of illumination. Together, they have collaborated to make enigmatic murals that transcend all description. This is more than art. This is art. by Upper Playground
Availability:Book Price: $20.00
Love & Hate From JP book

Japanese artist, Usugrow, is recognized for his hard subject matter such as skulls, horror characters and tattoo art, which he executes in delicate pointillism and detailed line work. The 96-page hard bound book is an overview of his distinctive inks on paper, paintings as well as personal photographs of different segments of his career. by Upper Playground
Availability:Hardcover Price: $20.00
GROTESK BOOK: A Decade of Swiss Design Lost in Brooklyn

Grotesk, aka Kimou Meyer, is a Swiss designer who moved to NYC in 1999 to work for a European design agency and has been there ever since. In the process of discovering the unique visual language of the Brooklyn streets, things such as hand painted signs, sport logos, street bombing, etc, he found that his approach to design and the creation of his own work took a drastic 180 degree turn. Grotesk's previous focus had been the design of minimalist catalogues, logos and branding systems, but he found that there was a lot more fun to be had in creating tee shirts, skateboards and silk screens for his friends. He eventually excelled in tee shirt and apparel design and now has a worldwide clientele. This exciting new title features 200 illustrations, designs and artworks created by Grotesk over the past 10 years. 144 pages, Hardcover, 8-1/2" x 10" (216 x 254 mm). 200 illustrations. by Grotesk
Availability:Book Price: $30.00
'Theres Nothing Wrong With You' book

Ask Michael Sieben to describe his work and he'll tell you that he's exploring themes focusing on the fading magic of childhood and its associated loss of innocence. His characters and creatures are unique in that they are both cute and grotesque; their purpose in life is to remind us that even though we have problems we still have reason to smile. According to his website, Michael spends his time designing skateboard graphics for Roger Skatebords, writing and illustrating articles for Thrasher Magazine, operating on the Okay Mountain Gallery with his fellow mountaineers, working on various freelance projects with the Volcom Art Loft, painting and drawing for personal enjoyment, skateboarding and smiling. There's Nothing Wrong With You (Hopefully) leaves no doubt whatsoever about Michael Sieben's powers of concentration and observation. by Upper Playground
Availability:Book Price: $20.00