Lionni's stories are heart-warming and humorous, and his characters are by turns adorable, mischievous, dreamy, brave and resolute. Such stories tend to inspire cynicism in my more adult self yet in Lionni's books these narratives were so pure and joyful that I couldn't help but be enchanted and a little inspired. Narratives about following your own dreams or being happy with who you are, are common themes in children's literature.
Prior to this exhibition I'd never read any of his books, but this exhibition made me wish I had, particularly growing up. Having been active as a graphic designer, art director and magazine editor for decades, it was not until an afternoon spent with his grandchildren that he made his serendipitous foray into book illustration – and generations since then have been thankful for his books.
Arriving in Tokyo after a highly successful run at Kyoto Station's Isetan, the latest exhibition at the Bunkamura features children's book illustrations by Dutch-born Leo Lionni (1910 – 1999).
0 kommentar(er)
