October Book Bag: Taryn Simon’s Guggenheim Catalogue and Hans Arp’s Paper Works

Taryn Simon’s exhibition at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is notable as the first photography-based monographic display to be presented in the museum’s iconic rotunda. The exhibition, open until 14 March 2027, follows the life of an unnamed federal agent through 42 individual works. Simon’s catalogue mirrors her creative process: texts originally displayed on the gallery walls become stories in the book, and the artworks themselves are transformed into photographs within its pages.

A new publication also draws attention to Hans Arp, a pioneer of the Dada movement, focusing on his works on paper and paper collages. Arp is recognised for his playful biomorphic forms, and this book provides a comprehensive view of his paper-based creations, highlighting their significance as both artistic expressions and as means for invention and play.

Another release, "Birth of a Collection," is published in Arabic, English, and French. It features contributions from 42 curators, historians, and scholars, and highlights objects such as the Monumental Lion from around 1100–1200, described as one of the most important Islamic works from the Mediterranean region.

The October selection also includes coverage of Khaled Sabsabi’s presentation at the 2026 Venice Biennale. An essay by Islamic art historian Claire Dillon examines Sabsabi’s two installations for the Biennale, exploring how the artist draws on Islamic artistic traditions and Sufi philosophy.

Together, these publications offer readers and art enthusiasts a broad view of artistic practices, from historical Islamic art to modern photography and Dadaist sculpture, enriching the understanding of diverse cultural narratives.