Welcome to 2026! Our inaugural book reviews of the year are now live, featuring insights from critic Bridget Quinn. While the notorious Pablo Picasso often dominates discussions, it is essential to acknowledge the women whose artistic contributions have been eclipsed by his legacy. These women include Fernande Olivier, Olga Khokhlova, Marie-Thérèse Walter, Dora Maar, Françoise Gilot, and Jacqueline Roque.
Historian Sue Roe sheds light on their stories in her latest release, “Hidden Portraits: Six Women Who Shaped Picasso’s Life.” However, as Quinn points out, the book focuses less on the nuanced lives of Picasso’s partners and more on depicting Picasso as a “love-bombing creature of conquest and control.” This perspective offers a new lens through which to view Picasso’s influence and relationships.
In addition to Quinn’s review, don’t miss Lavinia Liang’s exploration of David Wojnarowicz in the context of modern surveillance. Plus, check out our curated selection of the best books of 2025. —Lakshmi Rivera Amin, associate editor
