Sometimes less is more

Minimalism and abstraction in picture books

Inspired by movements such as the Bauhaus and Constructivism, as well as East Asian visual traditions, new forms of expression began to emerge in picture books from the 1950s and 1960s onwards. Alongside the previously realistic, nature-inspired and often highly detailed depictions, illustrations featuring simple, clear lines and geometric shapes, as well as a limited colour palette, became increasingly common. Abstract, non-representational visual worlds also gradually found their way into children’s bedrooms.

Through reduction, simplification and abstraction, such picture books open up different perspectives and new narrative possibilities. The pictures demand a different way of seeing and reading: a coloured dot can be a ball, a hat or a lake one moment, and a wolf, a tree or a hole the next. A single line can be a person; many lines, a forest. These picture books are characterised by originality, creativity and high artistic quality. They stimulate the imagination and enable new artistic and aesthetic experiences.

The exhibition, which draws on the rich collection of the International Youth Library, presents outstanding picture books from the 20th and 21st centuries that follow in this tradition. On display are, amongst others, the famous fairy-tale leporellos by Warja Lavater and modern classics such as Leo Lionni’s “Little Blue and Little Yellow”. Other notable works include those by illustrators such as Iela Mari and Bruno Munari (Italy), Dick Bruna (Netherlands), Katsumi Komagata (Japan), Jon Klassen (Canada) and Anne Bertier, Marion Bataille and Hervé Tullet (France).

The exhibition also features interactive, playful elements. These invite both children and adults to give free reign to their imagination and to become creative themselves using simple materials.

Workshops for school classes and groups are offered as part of the exhibition.

Current Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri  10 am - 4 pm
Saturday & Sunday 2 pm - 5 pm
Closed on public holidays

Entrance Fees:
Children and Teenagers under 18: free
Adults: 5 Euros (Collective ticket for all exhibitions and museums), 4 Euros (Concession tickets)