A humorous tribute to Matteo Thun, one of Italy’s most distinguished designers and architects, and his work. In the summer of 2009, Swiss artist Walter Pfeiffer made an extensive trip from Zurich to the Italian island of Capri, taking shots of some fifty of Thun’s design objects en route. Yet, rather than doing a mere documentation of these items, Pfeiffer created highly lively “tableaux vivants.” The artist was accompanied on his journey by Thun’s two then teenage sons, who thus form the main visual narrative of the book and appear in many pictures together with their father’s creations. A brief introduction by Matteo Thun’s wife Susanne and an index of the depicted design gems round out this extraordinary and entertaining visual travelogue. Buy

On the surface of a red-figure Attica vase, some thousands years ago, an inscription reading “ο Παῖς Καλός” had been engraved. Translating as The Boy Is Beautiful this intricate detail transforms a common vessel into a declaration of homoerotic affection; echoing the sexual liberation of a bygone era.⁠ ⁠ The Boy Is Beautiful is a biannual magazine but also an invitation to unravel the thread of queer Greek chronicles, from myth and history, to contemporary life. It’s a quest to figure out what happened between the time of Zeus and Ganymede, Apollo and Hyacinth, Achilles and Patroclus, the Band of Thebes and the Lesbian Sappho, Harmodius and Aristogeiton and my fascist, sexist, homophobic school mates, Thursdays’ straightwashed history lessons and Symposium-less Plato.⁠ ⁠ The new issue of The Boy is Beautiful just arrived in our store and online shop - and we couldn't be more excited!⁠ Buy

Kein Morgen (No Tomorrow) brings together photographs of parties, raves and afterhour clubs of the early 1990s. The faces captured by photographer Werner Amann reflect the ecstasy of a moment of departure, a glimmer of autonomy and freedom. The pictures were taken in Berlin, Frankfurt, Dortmund, New York, Zurich, Paris and Riccione, in clubs such as Omen, Tresor, E-Werk, Limelight, Tunnel and Sound Factory as well as at raves such as Mayday and the Berlin Love Parade. Short texts by Leif Randt look back on this time from today's perspective, a quarter of a century later. What remains is the feeling of a historic moment of understanding and solidarity.⁠ Buy

The book "Ceremony" argues that our modern way of thinking is not as rational and secular as we believe. Instead, it is influenced by Christian origin myths that emerged during the Middle Ages, when capitalism began to take shape. This publication will constitute a critical reference point for those seeking to construct and envisage a “counter-cosmogony” to the dispossession, slavery, and extractivism of modernity — which together endanges planetary life. Buy

Take a moment and reflect on what you’ve read today. Now do this again for yesterday and the day before. If you manage to remember anything at all, you might find that the stories you have been reading all seem to gravitate towards one common set of subjects. Most will have probably been pertinent to the current news cycle, while the others will have most likely concerned your own particular field of interests. Which is all fair and square–particularly given the world’s chaotic state of affairs. But where are all the other stories? As beautifully diverse and big our blue and green marbled planet is, there must be more to report and write about than war and scandal, no? More

Seven Logics of Sculpture examines contemporary sculpture through a present-day gaze, filling a gap in art theory.⁠ ⁠ Whilst discussions about installation art, performance art, or other 3D art forms are widespread, the discourse on sculpture seems to be stuck in historical, material, or thematic frameworks. ⁠ Valiz see a loss for our understanding of art in general, and of sculpture in particular. So this book explores ‘seven logics’ of sculpture—not as a historical overview, but with a contemporary analytical approach, drawing from literature, philosophy, psycho-analysis, architecture, and mundane daily culture—that help understand specific manifestations of sculpture and the active perception by the viewer. It relates to aspects such as the senses, the skin, the body, objecthood, narrative dynamics, the shaping of space, fragmentation, and montage.⁠ ⁠ Seven Logics of Sculpture opens up new ways of looking at, understanding, and appreciating sculpture, placing the medium at the heart of art’s experience; how sculpture can be shaped, assembled, encountered, seen and embodied. Buy

Not happy with the cold weather? Considering how long the Berlin winter lasts, there's still plenty of time to reach for the knitting kit and knit yourself some warm jumpers... And honestly with the book by Lærke Bagger at your side, it couldn't be more fun!⁠ Her mantra "Better unique than perfect" fits perfectly with the new DIY and upcycling of vintage clothing that is currently taking over fashion. Laerke is a trained textile designer and has been knitting with recycled materials since she was a teenager. So this book does not only teach you knitting scrunchies, socks, jumpers or even a ball gown, but also how to do it with recycled materials, yarn scraps and incorporating real found objects. In the process, you will be encouraged to stand by imperfections.⁠ Buy

This cahier is a visual sketchbook for an exhibition by Marlene Dumas at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens. It puts Dumas' work in dialogue with the museum’s collection - the enigmatic Cycladic antiquities, dating from 3000-2000 BC. The visual correlations are mesmerising. The millennia-old pieces of statues speak to us in the same timeless language as Dumas’ contemporary works. ⁠ ⁠ Although the exhibition has been postponed towards 2025, this anticipatory publication already arose from Dumas’ enthusiasm and affection for this combination. ⁠ Buy

How to Design a Post-Fossil World with the Sun?⁠ ⁠ Polluting energy systems based on finite fossil resources are destroying our planet and threatening its inhabitants. We all know that by now. And at the same time, there is this infinite (at least in human terms) energy of the sun pouring down on us. ⁠ ⁠ This book is about what we know about solar energy, what we can already do and what we hope to be able to do in the near future. And so it is divided into exactly these three parts: the first explains how we have designed with the sun in the past, providing a visual timeline of the historical development of solar power. The second part looks at the present: Where are we now and what is solar design? It provides examples of innovative solar design in architecture, fashion, mobility and product design. Finally, the last part looks to the future and asks how we can ensure that solar energy does not become the asbestos of the 21st century.⁠ Buy

“Oceans Were The Hottest Ever Recorded in 2022, Analysis Shows”  “Twelve European Countries Broke Temperature Records in 2022”  “Human Toll of Deadly US Storm Grows in ‘Blizzard of the Century’” As much as we here at do you read me?! believe in the power of positive thinking, it is a difficult thing to do when these are just a sampling of headlines from the past few weeks. To be sure, when confronted with the cold hard reality of an era of environmental crisis and geopolitical instability, it sometimes feels as if the simplest tasks require a healthy dose of courage, resignation, and gumption. All of these mounting anxieties need to be assuaged; and the only thing that can do it is…perhaps a new handbag. Or maybe those nice boots you have had your eyes on? Or why not an entirely new wardrobe!   More

Black German-language fiction has a long tradition that has come alive in many movements. From early works of fiction, such as the first novel by Black author Dualla Misipo at the end of the Weimar Republic, to current titles.⁠ ⁠ With "Resonanzen - Schwarzes Literaturfestival", a three-day festival took place in May 2022 that provided impulses for rethinking, reimagining and further developing perspectives and experiences within the German-language literary scene. The publication accompanying the festival presents the short stories of the six invited authors, traces the discussions of the jury and shows the diverse traditions, influences and references of authors of the African diaspora in Germany.⁠ Buy

How could visiting Seoul be described in a way that allows someone else to feel like they are right there? What to say? What perspectives to choose?⁠ ⁠ What Should I Say—About Seoul takes the reader on a path less traveled: The work and daily-life of Korean designers; but not just as a spectator. The book gives a glimpse into South Korean society that is not so common after all. ⁠ ⁠ But don't mistake this book as a travel guide. It is rather full of experiences, focussing on the work as creatives. From working conditions to social interactions.⁠ Buy