Look! The Art of Australian Picture Books Today. A State Library of Victoria Touring exhibition

December 7 2012 — February 10 2013

Illustrated by Ann James, from Lucy Goosey, 2007

Created by the State Library of Victoria, Look! includes 112 artworks by leading Australian illustrators including Shaun Tan; Graeme Base; Bob Graham; Gregory Rogers; Ann James; Leigh Hobbs; Ron Brooks and Frané Lessac.

This delightful exhibition displays sketches, drafts, mock-ups, finished artwork and publications as well as multimedia presentations to demonstrate the various stages of developing contemporary Australian picture books.

Curator Mike Shuttleworth says Look! gives children a chance to see artwork from their favourite stories up close and explore the process of visual storytelling.

‘Here are works fromAustralia’s finest children’s book illustrators. The exquisite images tell many stories, some beautiful, some hilarious, some difficult. They help children to understand their world. They give imaginations fuel to dream.’ 

Shuttleworth says that while the illustrations in Look! are from children’s books, adults will also find them fascinating.

‘Adults who haven’t been exposed to the world of picture books since their own childhood might be surprised just how sophisticated the art of picture books has become. Anyone interested in visual arts and storytelling will find scores of images that please, intrigue and surprise.’

This exhibition is supported by Visions of Australia, an Australian Government program supporting touring exhibitions by providing funding assistance for the development and touring of Australian cultural material acrossAustralia.