Made for experimentation: book illustration is a special, often underappreciated form of artistic expression. Many famous artists make use of its possibilities. The Cleveland Museum of Art explores the history of book illustration in Fairy Tales and Fables: Illustration and Storytelling in Art from May 4.
In the 19th century, industrialization revolutionized book production, from the manufacture of paper to the printing of finished volumes. New printing techniques such as lithography and wood engraving enabled artists to reproduce their designs faster and more precisely. Renowned artists such as Marc Chagall also made use of the new techniques. This led to a flood of books, magazines and journals filled with illustrations, which found a worldwide audience. The exhibition Fairy Tales and Fables: Illustration and Storytelling in Art presents over 50 rare works of art on book illustration from various collections. These include sketches, drawings, printing blocks and published books from the period between 1750 and 1950. These objects show how artists such as Jean-Baptiste Oudry and Maxfield Parrish mastered the challenges of illustration and developed their artistic identity in the process. The exhibition is on view at the Cleveland Museum of Art from May 4 through September 8.
Illustrators of this period experimented with traditional and innovative techniques to tell stories visually while appealing to a wide audience. From discerning collectors to parents who wanted to encourage their children to read, their work was appreciated. Many of these pioneering illustrations continue to have a far-reaching influence today and they have inspired generations of artists.
The Neue Nationalgalerie is honoring Nan Goldin's work from the last 45 years with a comprehensive exhibition. The photographer conquered the art world with her snapshot aesthetic and is considered one of the most influential artists of our time. Nan Goldin: This Will Not End Well can be seen in Berlin from November 23.
It was one of the most moving decades in the history of the United Kingdom: the 1980s, characterized by strikes, protests and AIDS. Photographers documented this period and in some cases became political activists themselves through their images. The exhibition The 80s: Photographing Britain opens on November 21 at the Tate Britain in London.
