In a compelling new feature published by NOBA (the Nordic Baltic contemporary art platform), art critic and curator Andra Orn sits down with Jerins for an unflinching conversation titled "Beyond Technique: Edgar Jerins on Art, Education and the Power of Reputation."

For readers moved by Jerins’ insights in NOBA, his acclaimed monograph, Edgar Jerins: Life in Charcoal (Goff Books), offers the definitive look at the monumental narrative drawings he began in 2001.

Spanning 120 pages in a rich landscape hardcover format, the book brings together his most powerful large-scale works—pieces held in prestigious public collections ranging from the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Museum of Nebraska Art to the Latvian National Museum of Art. Forged in the crucible of family tragedy and everyday struggle, Life in Charcoal captures the redemptive power of empathy and the refusal of the human spirit to give up.

• Read the full interview on NOBA: Beyond Technique: Edgar Jerins on Art, Education and the Power of Reputation
• Order the Book: Pick up your hardcover copy of Edgar Jerins: Life in Charcoal ($45.00, Hardbound, 120 Pages) directly through Goff Books.

At Goff Books, we are continually inspired by artists who hold a mirror up to the complexities of the human condition. Recently, Omaha Magazine highlighted the profound work of Nebraska-born artist Edgar Jerins, exploring how his Midwestern upbringing continues to anchor his staggering, deeply empathetic artwork in their feature, "Artist Edgar Jerins Keeps His Midwest Roots Close."

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Jerins has spent decades perfecting a brand of realism that is as monumental in scale as it is intimate in subject matter. His connection to his origins remains a driving force behind his creative vision—a vision that is brilliantly laid bare in his latest monograph.

Attention Must Be Paid

Arthur Miller once famously commanded, "Attention must be paid," and Jerins answers that call with every stroke of charcoal. In Edgar Jerins: Life in Charcoal, we see a collection of 92 meticulously observed, large-scale drawings—a series begun in 2001 that was forged in the crucible of family tragedy and the everyday realities of middle America.

His subjects are often his own friends and family members, captured in moments where all denial has been stripped away. Jerins does not shy away from the harsh realities of life—financial struggles, aging, substance abuse, and loss—but he frames them without a trace of irony, smugness, or sentimentality.

Instead, he offers pure empathy. Through his masterful use of light and shadow, he highlights the quiet heroism and resilience of people buffeted by a sea of troubles, yet refusing to give up no matter the odds.

A Towering Achievement in American Art

Life in Charcoal is more than just a collection of drawings; it is a raw, unvarnished look at life itself. The 120-page hardcover volume invites readers to immerse themselves in the intricate details of his technique and the profound narratives embedded in each domestic scene.

Whether you are a longtime admirer of contemporary realism or discovering his work for the first time through his Midwest features, Jerins’ art demands to be felt. It reminds us of the redemptive power of suffering and the undeniable strength of the human spirit.

To truly get under the skin of the Czech Republic and its captivating capital, diving into its literature is a must. A fantastic article, "Books to Read Before You Go to the Czech Republic," offers the perfect literary starting point.

The curated list covers poignant historical fiction, classic satire, and traditional folklore, giving you a rich perspective on the country's complex history. These stories reveal the soul of Prague that lies beneath its beautiful surface.

While literature tells the city's story, its history is also etched into its very stones. "Prague Revisited" serves as the perfect visual companion, connecting the tales you’ve read with the tangible beauty of the city’s stunning architecture. It’s an invitation to rediscover the city you’ve imagined, from its soaring Gothic spires to its elegant Art Nouveau facades.

Axiomatic Editions is a publishing platform that focuses on the intersection of art, architecture, and design. We believe that books and other publications can elevate cultural discourse. Our first set of titles will be released in 2025.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the upcoming titles:

• Architects in Memories by Toshio Nakamura.
• Mies van der Rohe: the Centric and the Peripheric by Randall Ott.
• Drawing Proper/Drawing Improper by Kevin Hirth.
• Photography Book About the Evolution of Representation in Renaissance and Baroque Italian Ceiling Frescoes by Arthur Becker.
• Landscapes for Adaptation: Evidence from China by Charles Waldheim with Boya Zhang.
• Turenscape Landscape Architecture by Kenneth Frampton and Ashley Simone.

We are excited to share these important works with the world and to continue to advance architecture and design culture.

Learn more about Axiomatic Editions and our upcoming titles on our website.

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