Join us tomorrow (Sunday, 6/14, 4-6 at Arcana) for a book signing tomorrow for the Book of the day > Maria Sabina by Gusmano Cesaretti. Conaculta.

Maria Sabina (1888-1985) was a healer, curandera, and Shaman in the Sierra Mazateca in the state of Oaxaca. She used the power of the sacred mushroom as part of her ceremonies that cured hundreds in her community throughout her lifetime. This association with the Psilocybin mushroom resulted in an unlikely late in life counterculture notoriety that brought her into contact with the likes of John Lennon, Bob Dylan, and Mick Jagger.

Thanks to our colleage, the wonderful Natalie Campagna of the fabulous Traveler's Bookcase, for including us in your Fathom piece about Literary LA!

Book of the day > Cecily Brown. Silvana Editoriale.  “New York-based British painter Cecily Brown makes sumptuous oil paintings combining abstract and figurative elements, art-historical references and erotic, fragmented bodies in compositions so densely layered that one of Brown's paintings can look ‘like an enormous colored anthill, with thousands of insects following each other, climbing over each other, hiding and reappearing, leaving colorful traces of their movements,’ as Danilo Eccher writes in his catalogue essay. This substantial monograph is published to accompany Brown's survey exhibition at the Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea in Turin, and features nearly 50 works, including paintings, works on paper, gouache and watercolors as well as seven monotypes, representing the range of Brown's work as well as its unifying concerns. Also included are newly commissioned essays by Danilo Eccher, Alessandro Rabottini and Anna Musini.”

Book of the day > Jamel Shabazz: Reflections from the ‘80s. Hardhitta Gallery. “Shabazz has been visually representing urban New York for the past 40 years. His iconic images capture the lifestyle and vibrant energy of the time like no other. He has become one of the key people to immortalize the New York of the ’80s. To this day, his quintessential and mesmerizing work influences international fashion trends and global youth culture, and has also served as a source of inspiration for countless films. His secret lies in his care and compassion for people. In the ’80s, New York was a tough environment: violent rival street gangs, drugs, and arrests were part of the city’s dark fabric and gave rise to the artistic expression of social and political injustices of the African American community. Many young people found themselves at difficult crossroads or facing challenging and often violent day-to-day realities. Shabazz wanted to do what he could to ease the tension of his community and help kids stay out of trouble. So he took to the streets with his camera, attracting young people for whom he became a mentor and inspiration, helping with life choices and keeping a positive outlook for the future. These photographs are his visual diary – a collection of memories, moments, conversations, people, and details. They reflect personal relationships, while giving expression to universal sentiments of all adolescents, such as hope, dreams, self-discovery, and living in the moment.” “All too often my work is misinterpreted, they look at it and they just see urban culture and hip hop in the African American community. But it’s more broad than that, it´s a universal body of work about compassion, empathy, bringing out the beauty within people and the love that bridges the gaps between us.” -Jamel Shabazz

Book of the day > Pradasphere. Abrams. “Founded in 1913, Prada has evolved into a brand with a unique ability to embed thought-provoking, clever ideas in totally pleasurable objects—from shoes and bags to coats, dresses, and skirts, the clothing makes a statement. And Pradasphere—both in its package and content—does the same. Pradasphere is a collection of archival objects arranged to reveal the complex, often- intertwined obsessions of one of the world’s most influential designers. The book takes you on an aesthetic journey that spans the past 30 years. Exclusive photographs of clothing and accessories illustrate Prada’s design narrative and show the exquisite craftsmanship and materials behind the creations. Pradasphere also explores Prada’s culture, including advertising photography, architecture, and commissioned films by directors such as Wes Anderson and Ridley Scott.”

Book of the day > Dennis Morris: The Bollocks. Zero+ Publishing. Originally only available in a deluxe, limited edition version including 2 prints (available from us for $ 800), Zero + has at long last released the trade version of this excellent book! “In 1977, photographer Dennis Morris, known for his iconic work with Bob Marley and the Wailers, turned his lens toward the Sex Pistols and captured an explosion of creativity that changed music and fashion forever. The Bollocks: A Photo Essay of the Sex Pistols is a collection of raw, unfiltered, gritty images covering a year in the band’s prime, some of which have never before been published. This powerful photo essay is a must-have for any fan of the scene, providing an insider’s look at the punk life through primal images captured both on stage and behind-the-scenes with the Sex Pistols. The body of work is composed of 106 large format black and white and color plates, organized in chapters “On the Road,” “Soundcheck,” “Live,” “Backstage,” “Portraits,” and “The Scene.” Includes text by Dennis Morris, Billy Idol, Shepard Fairey, Billy Morrison, and Rodney Bingenheimer.”

PLEASE JOIN US SUNDAY, JUNE 14th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM FOR A BOOK SIGNING

GUSMANO CESARETTI: MARIA SABINA

Maria Sabina (1888-1985) was a healer, curandera, and Shaman in the Sierra Mazateca in the state of Oaxaca. She used the power of the sacred mushroom as part of her ceremonies that cured hundreds in her community throughout her lifetime. This association with the Psilocybin mushroom resulted in an unlikely late in life counterculture notoriety that brought her into contact with the likes of John Lennon, Bob Dylan, and Mick Jagger.

In this newly-released book from Mexico's Conaculta, noted Italian-born, Los Angeles-based photographer Gusmano Cesaretti shares his personal story of self-discovery when this great woman allowed him to enter her sacred world. Gusmano is one of the first to extensively document the Chicano Car Clubs and Street writers of Southern California, has worked extensively for decades with directors Michael  Mann and the late Tony Scott, and his Fragments of Los Angeles 1969-1989 is one of our favorite photography books about the city.

So come meet our friend Gusmano and celebrate the publication of this most intriguing visual memoir. If you would like to purchase a signed copy (or two) of Maria Sabina  but cannot attend, please click here, or call us at 310-458-1499

Book of the day > Jean Prouvé Architecture. Edition Galerie Patrick Seguin. “This limited-edition boxed set compiles all five of Galerie Patrick Seguin's volumes on the "demontable" architecture of Jean Prouvé: the revised editions of 6x6 and 8x8, plus three new monographs on the BCC Demountable House, Ferembal Demountable House (adapted by Jean Nouvel), and the Filling Station. Each is illustrated with both archival and contemporary documentation. Though lacking any formal education in architecture, Jean Prouvé (1901-1984) became one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century, boldly experimenting with new building designs, materials and methods. Prouvé was raised in an environment of artistic, socially motivated innovation: his father belonged to "l'École de Nancy," a collective that sought to unite art, industry and social awareness. He continued this practice throughout his adulthood, opening the Ateliers Jean Prouvé to manufacture standardized, economical goods on a mass scale--which, during World War II, included creating portable and demountable barracks. After the war, the French government commissioned Prouvé to design inexpensive, effective housing for the newly homeless, prompting him to perfect his patented axial portal frame to build easily constructed demountable houses. Despite their advantages, though, few of these architectural triumphs were built, and even fewer survive. In order to preserve Prouvé's architectural and engineering legacy, the Galerie Patrick Seguin has worked tirelessly to promote Prouvé's "constructional philosophy," exhibiting his designs and showcasing his ecologically responsible methodologies. ”

We're proud to have provided a large part of the books for this amazing project, The Hyundai Card Music Library,  in Seoul.

"I hope this space is used by diverse people,’ says architect Moongyu Choi, ‘including those who want to get some inspiration from music or those who want to enjoy a bottle of beer while watching the sunset in the open space while listening to some good music.’

The ground and first floors house the library’s extensive book and record collection, including a copy of the Sex Pistols’ rare 1977 single ‘God Save the Queen’ – one of only nine remaining in the world.

As well as 3,000 music-related books, the library stores every issue of Rolling Stone since the magazine started in 1967. Design firm Gensler, who conceived the interiors, has installed six record players for personal listening alongside the stacks of records, books and magazines."

Book of the day > Arcadia Britannica: A Modern British Folklore Portrait. Thames and Hudson.  “Drawing on pagan Celtic, Germanic, and early Christian rites and beliefs, British folklore is a vibrant aspect of Britain’s cultural heritage that continues to flourish today. Notable for their music, storytelling, and particularly for the terrific display of costumes revelers wear, Britain’s folk festivals are at once great entertainment and a link with the nation’s rich cultural history. Arcadia Britannica is the product of photographer Henry Bourne’s repeated trips to some of Britain’s greatest folk events: striking color portraits capture an eccentric collection of individuals in inventive outfits, including arboreal costumes, pagan-inspired creations, and historical garb. These were captured at events like the annual Jack in the Green festival held in Hastings in May, for which the town and its people are decked in green to welcome summer, and the Easter Sunday celebration in Bacup, Lancashire, where fiercely proud Britannia Coconut Dancers (or “Nutters”) perform their traditional seven dances. An accompanying text by Simon Costin provides the historical backstory and explains the folklore behind this wacky, inspiring collection of images.”