Nobuyoshi Araki, Ed van der Elksen, Lilian Bassman, Yelena Yemchuk—the list of photographers I admire is long and eclectic, just like my bookshelf. I find it impossible to settle on a single style or approach in photography; my tastes evolve constantly, and I'd find it odd if the didn't. Regardless of the author or title, I love every artbook that cheerfully greets me from its place in my living room, whether stacked in a towering pile or displayed elegantly on a stand.

Of course, the design and photographic style of each book matter—they need to evoke something meaningful in me. But there’s also the personal story behind how I discovered each one that deepens my appreciation. For instance, my fascination with portraits and the human form led me to Irving Penn’s Earthly Bodies, while my reflections on the meaning of life and death drew me to Viviane Sassen’s Hot Mirror. Both books transformed my perspective on photography and upended my visual world. They are more than decorative objects in my collection; they are tools for education—resources that have shaped my photographic practice and my broader view of art and life.

The more you immerse yourself in photographs and paintings, the more critical and attuned your eye becomes. Over time, you realize that the visual world isn’t simply divided into “beautiful” and “ugly.” Instead, you learn to identify what personally resonates with you, what stirs your emotions, and, as a photographer, what compels you to press the shutter.

Take William Eggleston, for example. Born in Memphis—a city he described as “the ugliest city in America”—he found beauty in the mundane and transformed his unremarkable surroundings into iconic works of art. Inspired by his hero Henri Cartier-Bresson, but charting his own path, Eggleston embraced what he called a “democratic way of looking around,” asserting that “nothing was more or less important.” His approach reminds us that inspiration can come from anywhere, even in the seemingly ordinary.

Appreciating artbooks is one thing, publishing them is another. The future of artbook publishing has been on shaky ground in recent years, a trend that I believe began with the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Curious to understand the state of the industry, I spoke to Mark Pearson, founder of Tokyo-based gallery and photobook publisher Zen Foto Gallery, and co-founder of shashasha - an online bookshop renowned for its selection of new releases, self-published gems and rare or out-of-print treasures. Pearson, however, is not entirely optimistic about the future of artbooks.

"The gradual decline in sales is making publishing an increasingly difficult economic proposition," he shares. "But the desire of photographers to publish their work in books has not diminished significantly. For artists, photobooks are a means of expression, a permanent record of their work and a promotional tool."

Despite this passion, Pearson acknowledges the harsh financial realities. "Unfortunately, publishing photobooks remains a good way to lose money - even if it leaves a legacy that will be cherished for many years to come."

Some points about the importance of artbooks worth remembering:

While they may not be a lucrative venture in the industry, they bring countless other meaningful benefits. Here are some:

An artbook is a form of advertising. Transforming your work into an artbook is a great way to expand your practice. A book not only consolidates your artistic vision, but also, extends the reach of your work, allowing you to share it with a wider audience. A published book becomes a lasting legacy of your art that transcends time.

An artbook is a collector's item. Artbook fairs and art bookstores are excellent places to find affordable and meaningful art in book form. Not everyone can afford a framed print, but many people, including students, can invest in an artbook that resonates with them. Remember, limited editions or signed books by renowned artists often become collectors' items and can increase in value over time.

An artbook is your greatest inspiration. They're not just about stunning visuals and great aesthetics. But they often spark creativity and inspire new ideas by enriching your world with personal meaning. Sometimes a particular theme explored in a book can trigger memories or ideas that inspire you to create something relevant and new. And of course, the design of the book itself can be a source of inspiration for your own projects.

An artbook is the best educational tool. Even without exploring artistic styles, techniques or artist biographies, artbooks are valuable resources. They teach through their layout, sequencing and composition, showing how to find beauty in the ordinary. They encourage a richer, more varied visual perspective and help you to see the world differently. Just like what happened to William Eggleston once upon a time in Memphis.

An artbook is more than just a fine piece of decoration - but let's not deny its decorative appeal. In addition to their intellectual and emotional value, artbooks add aesthetic charm to any setting, whether it's a cosy living room, a crowded café, a painter's studio or an office.

A stack of artbooks in your home is not only visually pleasing, it's also a fantastic conversation starter. Without saying a word, it speaks volumes about your interests and your passion for collecting. These books effortlessly combine substance and style, making them the perfect addition to any space.

Explore the world of artbooks: