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Nathan Smith

Nathan Smith

The Nation

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Observer’s Must-Read Memoirs and Best Biographies of 2026

From the glittering lives of the famous to the remarkable hope of everyday people, these life histories will bring joy and inspiration.

08.04.2026 5

Observer

Nathan Smith

Observer’s Best Art Books of 2025

Our favorite new art books span museum insider accounts, histories of protest and fresh takes on how images shape politics.

01.09.2025 10

Observer

Nathan Smith

10 Pride Month Reads That Capture the Defiant and Joyful Spirit of Queer Life

These diverse LGBTQ-centered books offer up powerful portraits of love, loss and resilience.

06.06.2025 8

Observer

Nathan Smith

Observer’s Guide to 2025’s Best Memoirs and Biographies, From ABBA to Ono

Misunderstood artists. Legendary music icons. A forgotten Golden Age film star. These life stories deserve space in your reading pile.

15.04.2025 9

Observer

Nathan Smith

In Sydney, Julie Mehretu Challenges Our Engagement With Conflict and Devastation

The market-dominating abstractionist cloaks catastrophe in vaporous color at MCA Australia.

01.04.2025 6

Observer

Nathan Smith

What’s in a Name? Mao, Margaret Thatcher and Marie Antoinette Offer Answers at MONA

Here, everything from pop culture memorabilia to classical paintings clashes and collapses haphazardly under a unifying theme: the specter of status.

12.03.2025 10

Observer

Nathan Smith

Understanding Yayoi Kusama Is About Connecting the Dots

Paintings, drawings and videos at the NGV Melbourne reveal a long-tortured artist quietly seeking to be at one with themselves.

27.02.2025 6

Observer

Nathan Smith

12 New Non-Fiction Books You Need to Read in 2025

It’s up to you whether to pre-order now, but get your bookmarks ready. 

22.01.2025 7

Observer

Nathan Smith