Into the World of Anthony Browne's Picture Books
As summer officially begins, the heat is becoming more intense. Outdoor dates and activities with children are being postponed until autumn. Fortunately, an exhibition is currently taking place in Jeonju that everyone can enjoy comfortably indoors.
This exhibition features the globally renowned picture book author and beloved artist among many Koreans, Anthony Browne. Even if you don't know his name, many will likely exclaim, "Oh! I recognize this illustration!" upon seeing his work.
Anthony Browne has created his unique artistic world for a long time. With this opportunity in Jeonju, those who love picture books should definitely visit.
Anthony Browne Exhibition: Master of Storytelling
◆ Venue: Korean Sound Culture Center Exhibition Hall
◆ Parking: Korean Sound Culture Center Parking Lot 1, Free
◆ Exhibition Period: June 20, 2026 (Saturday) - September 20, 2026 (Sunday)
◆ Viewing Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 AM - 4 PM / Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM (Closed every Monday)
◆ Admission Fee: Adults 15,000 KRW / Children and Youth 10,000 KRW
Upon entering the exhibition hall, you will find a fun introduction to Anthony Browne written in speech bubbles. Since his first work, Into the Mirror, published in 1976, he has illustrated 57 books. After visiting the exhibition, I felt that despite the long time he has been creating, his works do not feel outdated; instead, they continue to grow richer.
How should one enjoy a picture book exhibition? Some may worry about this, but there is no set way to view the artwork. If it feels daunting, following this guide will help you appreciate it joyfully. I discovered many delightful aspects I hadn't noticed before by following this approach.
Viewing Point 1: An Exhibition That Asks Questions
Anthony Browne's illustrations are not just pretty and soft. The more you look at them, the more they provoke questions and thoughts. Let’s take a closer look at his recent work, The Little Big Gorilla (2024).
“What’s the opposite of Light?”
“What’s the opposite of Big?”
As you think about 'darkness' and 'smallness,' you might pause at the last question and reflect.
He asks, “What’s the opposite of Opposite?”
Viewing Point 2: The Humor in the Details
Among Anthony Browne's works, you can find amusing illustrations that pay homage to and parody famous paintings. For instance, his version of The Mona Lisa made me laugh at first glance, and upon closer inspection, I couldn't help but laugh again. It's not just about replacing a woman with a gorilla. Did you notice?
There's a denture in the lower left corner. Looking closely at the gorilla's mouth, it appears the dentures are missing. This gorilla seems to be an elderly one with all its teeth gone, yet it does not look diminished at all.
Instead, it wears a relaxed smile and radiates warmth. The wit in reinterpreting a young woman as an aged gorilla was delightful. Many artworks contain hidden objects and foreshadowing, making it enjoyable to examine each piece slowly.
Viewing Point 3: The Combination of Warm Hand-Drawn Art and Fun Digital Media, Media Art & Experience Play
Simply walking around looking at the artworks can get a bit dull. This exhibition features media art everywhere, providing a fairy tale-like background music and animations, reminiscent of King Kong and Alice in Wonderland.
Anthony Browne often states that drawing gorillas is a fantastic experience in itself. His detailed depictions of facial wrinkles and rich expressions, especially the complex depth in the eyes, show how deeply he observes his subjects.
You can also enjoy drawing with children and playfully interact with small houses displayed in the exhibition. There are experience programs, and guided tours are available at scheduled times, making it a great weekend activity for families.
For those who love cute items, the goods shop is a must-visit. The exhibition is so beautiful that the catalog is highly desirable. It features not only the illustrations seen at the exhibition but also many of his other works, along with postcards, pencils, magnets, and a variety of other merchandise.
All illustrations tell a story.
Nowadays, many people are searching for picture books. They are not just for children. Recently, adult reading groups and storytelling sessions have become popular, making picture books a cherished genre for all ages.
This is likely due to the power and comfort that picture books provide. Perhaps it is because they resonate with the fantasies and stories we hold in our hearts. I hope we can share these stories together at the exhibition Anthony Browne Exhibition: Master of Storytelling. As you follow his stories, may you discover your own and create warm memories with loved ones.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224340164312
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