by: Alex Blanco

Flipping through the pages of a beautifully crafted art book is a lot like standing in a gallery, mesmerized in front of a painting that speaks to you on a deeply personal level. The artwork need not be famous, expensive, or grandiose—it’s the connection it sparks within you that matters. Howard Greenberg, the renowned collector and gallerist, captured this sentiment perfectly in an interview with 1605 Magazine. Reflecting on his vast photography collection, Greenberg described each piece as a "metaphoric self-portrait," representing phases of his life and personal growth.

Art books offer a similarly intimate experience, one that goes beyond self-discovery to provide a tangible, lasting connection with art. As Greenberg noted, “Books are incredible media on their own. The work that goes into a book is usually the most careful work of the photographer because, once you put it out into the world, it speaks for you forever. Having a show is wonderful, but it’s over in two months. And in a couple of years, most people forget about it. Books, however, remain.”

Marvin E. Newman, Sun Shadow, Howard Greenberg Gallery

Rebecca Morrill, Commissioning Editor at HENI, echoed this sentiment in her article The Vitality of the Art Book in the Age of Digital Publication for DACS (link). She emphasized the immutability of books, which she argues makes them particularly valuable in an age of ephemeral, easily altered digital content. In her words, “Art books exist in time as well as space. While they record history as a written account on the page, they also capture and represent the moment in history from which they came, unlike their volatile online cousins, which can be modified repeatedly and without warning or declaration. In an era of fake news and retrospectively doctored internet content, the constancy of the printed word has revitalized worth.” 

Morrill also highlighted the tactile joy of books. Unlike e-readers, art books provide a sensory experience: the weight of a block of paper bound with thread and glue, the textures of the pages, and the vibrant reproductions that screens simply cannot replicate. Backlit devices and varying screen calibrations alter how images appear, but a printed page offers consistency and the thrill of physical engagement with art.

Marvin E. Newman, Sun Shadow, Howard Greenberg Gallery

The Role of Digital in the Artistic Landscape

Yet, it would be unfair to demonize the digital age. Technology has revolutionized the art world, offering numerous advantages. Digital platforms promote sustainability by reducing reliance on paper, printing chemicals, and water, making it easier to share creative projects with minimal environmental impact.

Rena Anakwe, Rain in my hip, 2003, Serpentine Gallery, Looping film work about ideas of extreme weather & natural disasters

The digital era has also become a cornerstone for artists seeking visibility. Platforms enable creators to find publishers, submit to open calls and competitions, and connect with galleries and curators—all without the need to mail costly printed portfolios. The internet has democratized access to opportunities that can elevate an artist’s career and expand their audience.

Gerhard Richter, STRIP-TOWER (2023), Serpentine Gallery, Photo: Andy Stagg

Nothing Compares to the Printed Page

Despite its benefits, the digital medium cannot replace the authenticity and enduring spirit of the printed book. As Morrill rightly observed, art books transcend the limitations of technology to create a timeless connection between the viewer and the work. In the words of Walter Benjamin, whose essay The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction explores the impact of modern technologies on art, printed works maintain their aura—their unique, irreplaceable essence—even in a world dominated by replication.

While the digital age has opened doors for artists and provided powerful tools, the art book remains a vital, irreplaceable medium—one that will forever hold its place on our bookshelves and in our hearts.