Each year, before Christmas, Gabrielle Guy makes an advent calendar for her younger sister, Tabitha. Because Gabrielle is a bookmaker, these calendars take the form of books. On each page, Gabrielle has hidden something. The pages must be torn (beginning December 1 with the final page broken open on Christmas Day) to reveal its surprise. Gabrielle's practice is as precise as it is playful. A devotee of humble things – bricks, corners, stones – and hidden moments, it is difficult to write of her accomplishments because she shies away from ever mentioning them. It is up to this writer to insist on doing so. At the time of writing, Gabrielle is the designer of more than 200 artist books and catalogues, for all of South Africa's most renowned artists. The list includes William Kentridge, Zanele Muholi, Jo Ractliffe, Igshaan Adams, Penny Siopis, as well as Phaidon's African Artists, to mention only a few. The number excludes books of her own photographic practice – of 'things to look at' and 'pictures of pictures' – to paraphrase Gabrielle's titles.

A practice in sisterly love and devotion since 2014, this is the first year that these advent calendars are available to be purchased and shared.