Children’s book illustrations to fuel imagination

Illustrations in children’s books may have been long seen as less important than fine art, but French illustrator Joelle Jolivet hopes picture book illustrations will receive as much appreciation as fine art.

“Even in France, picture book illustrations are not considered the same as fine art. But I hope it receives the same appreciation in the future and I think the history of picture books should be studied someday,” said Jolivet Tuesday. She was in Seoul for the French illustration exhibition “Voyage to French Illustration “which opened at Sejong Center last month.

Jolivet is one of the 20 children’s picture book artists whose works are on display at the exhibition through Sept. 9. She released about 10 translated versions of her books in Korea including “365 Penguins,” “Oups!” and “Rapido’s Next Stop,” written by her colleague Jean-Luc Fromental. 

Jolivet’s illustrations are eye-catching with their bold lines and colorful images using vibrant colors and linocut method, a kind of printmaking technique in which artists cut sketches onto a linoleum surface. Jolivet scans the print images using a computer and makes picture book illustrations.

Images from everyday objects, animals, people, buildings and streets are frequent subjects of her illustrations.

“I would like to draw the world itself and show it to children. I also try to draw it in a fun way, not just randomly listing the things that make our world,” said Jolivet.

The stories in her books are about everyday incidents, with familiar characters like mom and dad and pop singer Lady Gaga who appears in the book titled “Oups!” (“Oops” in English).

Without fantasy characters such as prince, princess and fairies, her illustrations are eye-catching enough to draw the attention of children, encouraging them to turn every page.

The illustrations also reflect social issues and values.

For example, “365 Penguins” deals with the issue of global warming and environmental protection through its story about a family receiving penguins that lost their homes because of the melting ice in the South Pole.

But Jolivet said she also intended for the readers to think of different issues as well such as problems with immigration and living in harmony with others through different small episodes.

The French illustration exhibition presents other unique illustrations by acclaimed French illustrators such as Serge Bloch, an award-winning artist who weaves a story with a lengthy red thread.

Bloch’s book “Moi j’Attends” (I wait) recently drew attention when it was shown on the hit TV drama “A Gentleman’s Dignity.”

The illustrations on exhibition also feature different aspects of contemporary art incorporating different methods ranging from printing and typography to painting and sculpture.

Christian Voltz uses objects like iron wire, bolts and clothes to make forms and child characters, intended to show the vulnerable side of children with thin and breakable objects.

Julien Magnini’s simple Lego-like typography illustrations look experimental.

The exhibition also features traditional illustrations featuring characters that are likely to appear in games and animation such as the colorful, cute illustrations by Marc Boutavant.

“Voyage to the French Illustration” is open from 11:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on the basement floor of the Sejong Center Exhibition Hall. Tickets are 11,000 won for adults and 9,000 won for teenagers and children.

For more information, call (02) 3143-4360.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)