Danish illustrations on display

An illustration from the children’s book, “Egon the Bike Gnat,” by Flemming Quist Moeller.

By Tracie Barrett

The Danish Embassy is taking an exhibition of illustrations from Danish children’s books on tour through July, complete with storytelling sessions and workshops with visiting illustrators.

Titled “Illustrated Children’s Books, Denmark,” the exhibition opened April 2 at the National Library of Children and Young Adults in Seoul, where it will remain until April 21.

It will then head to Nami Island from April 25 through May 25 as part of Nambook _ the Nami Island International Children’s Book Festival. Danish illustrators Rasmus Juul Pedersen and Hell Vibeke Jensen will conduct workshops during the Nami sojourn.

It will then return to Seoul, where it will be displayed at both ARKO Gallery in Jongno (June 7-22) and the Seoul Metropolitan Library (June 25-July 7), before heading south to Shinsegae Centum City in Busan (July 12-28).

Illustrators Otto Dickmeiss and Rasmus Bregnhoi will conduct workshops at the ARKO and Busan showings, respectively. Entrance to the exhibition is free and further information can be found under events on the embassy’s Facebook page.

Danish Ambassador Peter Lysholt Hansen said Denmark has a rich cultural background and a strong tradition of engaging children.

The ambassador said the exhibition is part of Denmark’s efforts to boost cultural exchanges between Korea and the European country.

“With this exhibition we want to introduce the Korean audience to the children’s book tradition and the writings and drawings of Danish authors and artists,” he said.

“A special feature about Danish children’s books is that they encourage the children to ask questions and to be imaginative, and illustrated children’s books are a natural part of the childhood of Danish children,” he added.

He hopes Korean children and parents will also be inspired by the beautiful illustrations and imaginative stories on display.

South Korea and Denmark have had diplomatic ties since 1959 and Hansen said cultural collaboration has increased significantly in recent years.

“More Danish books, including children’s books, have been translated into Korean and the exchange of films, TV music, design and architecture is on the rise,” he said. “I hope that we will be able to strengthen cultural exchanges between our two countries, for the benefit of Koreans and Danes alike, in the coming years.”