Rachel Feinstein and John Currin.

Holding studio visits for collectors, dealers, and critics is a rite of passage for most successful artists, but its unusual to have the opportunity to see inside their personal art collections unless you happen to be a close friend.

But in Artists Living With Art, a new book by Stacey Goergen and Amanda Benchley with photographs by Oberto Gili, big-name artists like Joan Jonas, Mickalene Thomas, Marilyn Minter, Rashid Johnson, and Tauba Auerbach as well as artist power couples Laurie Simmons and Carroll Dunham and Rachel Feinstein and John Currin open the doors to their expertly-curated, impeccably decorated private worlds.

While salivating over the whitewashed walls and spacious home offices of some of the most successful artists working today is certainly enjoyable, we think the most fascinating part of the experience is seeing their coveted art collections, and making connections between artists. For example, we’re not surprised to see a Minter photograph hanging prominently in Simmons and Dunham’s living room (after all, Minter and Simmons are longtime friends), but did you know Tauba Auerbach collects Josh Smith?

From the standpoint of a collector or curator, its also worth noting how artists choose to display their own works. In Currin and Feinstein’s home, his seductive, strangely offbeat portraits are hung against a sumptuous, jewel-toned backdrop that plays up their Renaissance vibe. A shiny gold frame and a crimson couch don’t hurt either. And even if you’re just looking to pick up some good decorating tips, who better to ask than an artist?

Feinstein and Currin’s living room, where a portrait by Currin hangs.

Carroll Dunham and Laurie Simmons.

Carroll Dunham and Laurie Simmons’s home.

Joan Jonas in her home office.

Joan Jonas’s loft.

Rashid Johnson’s living room, featuring chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, as well as works by John Mason and Peter Voulkos.

Marilyn Minter’s entrance hall, featuring work by Gerhard Richter and her former students Jeff Elrod and Austin Lee.

Mickalene Thomas in her living room.

Tauba Auerbach’s living room, where a painting by Josh Smith hangs.