Magical world of children’s illustrations
Ishara Jayawardane
* Paintings are magical in detail and
captivation
* It makes viewing a most personal
experience
* The exhibition has roamed many countries
before
* Children’s illustrations in Germany are
known for great diversity
* Some renowned classics are Klaus Ensikat
and Wolf Erlbruch or Janosch
The exhibition of Contemporary Picture Book Illustration organized by
the Goethe Institut took place at the premises of Colombo Public Library
recently. A picture is worth a thousand words. I was drawn to these
magical paintings, which were so precise in detail and so captivating.
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Sybil
Wettasinghe and Goethe Director Bjorn Ketels |
The use of color and an exquisite touch of uniqueness, making viewing
the pictures a most personal experience. There was at the same time such
beauty in its simplicity. You could feel the tingling anticipation of
the painter as he realizes that his work will turn into something
special.
This was a traveling exhibition which was set up by the Goethe
Institut in Germany which has already travelled to many countries. They
were able to bring it to Colombo when it is traveling South Asia at the
moment. It was in India before and now it is on display here in Colombo.
The exhibition gives insight into contemporary children’s book
illustrations in Germany and Germany is well known for very diverse
scenes and very high quality standards concerning children’s book
productions in Germany. “It gives an insight into what is happening in
the scene today.
But it is also featuring famous artists such as Janosch who have been
working in this field for decades. So the aim is to give a kind of
overview to what is happening in book illustrations at the moment and
which important characters there have been in the past and it is just
enjoyable and you can go through the exhibition you can imagine yourself
being a child again and standing in front of the pictures and trying to
discover everything that is happening there and the pictures are very
lively and I think it is entertaining. And it is interesting for a
younger as well as local audience.” Said Goethe Institute Sri Lanka
Director Bjorn Ketels.
Picture books and children’s books illustration in Germany is known
for its great diversity and a number of new artistic approaches in the
last ten years. Illustrators from different generations are using a wide
range of individual styles to create works that appeal to children and
adults alike. The exhibition demonstrates the high standard of work
currently being produced and the variety of approaches. In addition to
internationally renowned classics as Klaus Ensikat, Wolf Erlbruch or
Janosch, younger artists will be presented whose work reflect the latest
trends of the German Children’s book illustration.
“Children’s book illustrations are very happy because we can delve
into the magical world of children. When I illustrate a book I am very
happy and I forget who I am because I am with children and I have a
child in me at heart. And then in my old age I am still a very happy
illustrator for children.” Said Chief Guest Sybil Wettasinghe.
The Exhibition will remain open until June 11, Monday- Sunday, 9 am –
6 pm (Wednesday Closed).
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