Illustrators Ireland Celebrate the work of Tomi Ungerer.
Hello everyone! I am delighted to share more about a group exhibition that I recently embarked upon – a trip into an enchanting world of illustration, inspired by the legendary Tomi Ungerer.
‘In Memory of The Future’ took place in the dlr Lexlcon in Dún Laoghaire in Dublin, Ireland from the 3rd August to 30th September 2023. Initiated by Illustrators Ireland, this unique exhibition brought together 50 talented illustrators, each inspired by their favourite Tomi Ungerer work. The result was a vibrant exhibition that not only paid homage to Ungerer's legacy but also showcased the diverse talents of the illustrators involved as they exhibited their interpretations of Ungerer’s work and responses to his influence.
So who was Tomi Ungerer?
Tomi Ungerer (1931-2019) was an internationally recognised, and much loved illustrator and author known for his distinctive and often provocative style. Born in Strasbourg, France, Ungerer gained international fame for his children's books, which include classics like "The Three Robbers," and "Moon Man.” His illustrations were characterised by their bold lines, expressive characters, and clever sense of humour, captivating readers of all ages. Ungerer also created satirical illustrations for adult audiences and used his art to address political and cultural issues. His diverse body of work continues to inspire and captivate readers around the world, including us folk at Illustrators Ireland!
My illustration for “In Memory of The Future”
The illustration that I created for the exhibition was inspired by Tomi’s book ‘Rufus: The Bat Who Loved Colours’. If you haven’t read it, I really recommend you do. It’s a beautiful picture book story for children (and adults alike). In the story, Rufus the bat is filled with wonder at seeing the world in colour for the first time. His wide-eyed enthusiasm for all things colourful is so heartwarming. It reminded me to feel gratitude for the gift of sight and the natural world. The piece that I’ve created celebrates nature and is inspired by Tomi’s simple yet vividly colourful depictions of flora and fauna in this book. I thought maybe we all need to look at the world around us with fresh eyes like Rufus, prioritising it and caring for it a bit more.
Thank you for stepping into my world of illustrations and for taking the time to read a bit more about our exhibition.
If you have any further questions or thoughts, please don't hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to share more with you again soon.
Love,
Louise
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