See How Picture Books are Created
Explore the world of Leo Lionni, renowned American-Dutch children’s book author and artist, through the “Leo Lionni: Creation of Picture Books” exhibit inside Shibuya’s Hikarie Hall.
Leo Lionni was a leading figure in children’s picture books, known for his many award-winning titles including Swimmy and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse, which were spotlighted in many Japanese elementary schools. Lionni’s books were translated into Japanese by Shuntaro Tanikawa. Throughout his career, Lionni was involved in many aspects of children’s book production, including graphic design and art direction.
The exhibition looks into techniques Lionni used for creating his picture books, especially his iconic paper collage style. Lionni’s collages used a variety of paper textures, all cut with scissors or torn by hand. His multimedia works experimented with watercolors, oil paints, crayons and colored pencils. The gallery will show a closer look at the details in these artworks and will display original illustrations, videos and interactive elements to immerse guests in the creative mind of Leo Lionni.
The exhibition will also have original merchandise available, including a box of Music Mouse Geraldine’s biscuit beurre sable fromage cookies, t-shirts, tote bags, mini canvases, masking roll stickers and a special collaboration collection with Japanese leather craft brand Koshu Inden inspired by Swimmy.
