I'm a Journalist in Korea 5: The Curious Adventures of the Infamous Anthony Browne, Children’s Author and Illustrator (UK)

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The Curious Adventures of the Infamous Anthony Browne, Children’s Author and Illustrator (UK)

Review by Kim Miso aka Rahel Limor

Children’s author and illustrator Anthony Browne (UK) was in Seoul this week promoting his Internationally acclaimed children’s books and illustrations. Marking the anniversary of his 40^th year as a creative artist and writer, about 200 of Browne’s original artworks, including at least five that have not yet been exhibited, can be seen and experienced at the Seoul Arts Center’s Hangaram Design Museum (3^rd floor, Halls 5 & 6) through September. Browne’s award-winning books are available to read at the museum’s “Anthony Browne Library” and can be purchased at the museum store. Hands-on activities are available to be enjoyed by every visitor young and old. I have a hunch that the adults are having more fun than their children!

“Anthony Browne’s Happy Theater and Happy Museum” treat us to an overwhelmingly unique, intriguing and beyond-the-imagination creative, inspirational, active and interactive experience of a lifetime. Like the effects of his books, these larger-than-life illustrations touch all of the senses while reaching deeply into the heart and soul. They trigger the natural curiosity of children and give adults permission to return, experience and explore their childhood and feelings of warmth, joy, curiousness – and perhaps also a few buried emotions of fear, likes and dislikes that might resurface. For the most part visitors of all ages will enjoy feeling a sensational sense of wonder. The works of local artists influenced and inspired by Anthony’s work are included in this exhibition and worth noting.

The magic of Anthony Browne continues at the Gallerie Foret’s Shinhan Card FAN Square Dream Hall in Seongsu-dong at Seoul Forest. “Little Frida”, a new musical based on Browne’s storybook characters, highlights the outstanding talents of local actor-singers, not to mention the costume designers, choreographers and supportive crew whose combined efforts need to be recognized. Superb acting and a repertoire of upbeat songs make Browne’s beloved characters and themes come alive. In this lively interactive performance, we follow Frida as she enters the world of imagination with her magic pencil. Everything she draws comes alive as she embarks on an exciting adventure. Of course no adventure is complete without meeting a number of interesting new friends. I noticed the parents laughing louder than the children as they enjoyed the musical.

Maybe I’m old fashioned or perhaps behind-the-times, but this was the first time I’ve seen and experienced live animation – some of it 3-D – and a variety of interactive media being used almost as if it is another actor. The very colorful moving and animated backdrop displayed Browne’s illustrations and characters from his stories. There were moments when the animation seemed to jump right off the actors’ backs and sometimes become real right in front of our eyes. This blending and fusion of theater and film was flawlessly coordinated. Anthony Browne, who was in attendance that afternoon for a book signing following the play, was very clearly impressed stating that he “watched with sheer tears of joy throughout the performance”. He was invited to the stage to share an activity of his childhood that proved to be the beginning of his career even at a young age. “The Shape Game” starts with one person drawing a shape. Another person adds to the shape to create something new. The children were invited to join Anthony in this activity. We all witnessed the start of many new young budding artists!

So how did Anthony Browne become a world celebrated children’s author and illustrator? His career started during his childhood in the United Kingdom as he played in the pub run by his parents. He reminisces, “I would often stand on a table in the bar and tell the customers stories I invented. I spent much of my childhood playing soccer or rugby, fighting and drawing with my elder brother. (sic)” As an adult Anthony went on to study graphic design at Leeds College and worked as a medical illustrator at the Manchester Royal Infirmary for three years. He noted that having to draw very detailed pictures of animals and of human organs taught him more about drawing, painting and about telling difficult stories than perhaps his years in college did. A job designing greeting cards also influenced Browne’s developing talent. He learned “how to create attractive characters with powerful and appealing details within a limited space”.

Most of Anthony’s books are personal, reflecting his own life. Throughout the years he remarks that inspiration comes mostly from his childhood, his own children, other people’s children, paintings by other artists, and also dreams. “Inspiration is never straightforward. It happens almost subliminally,” explains Browne. The characters are not especially British, but rather represent the universal child as all children around the world are essentially the same – human”. Although one can find social issues represented in his works, Browne stated that he never wrote his books with that intention in mind. “They are meant simply to be entertaining. The reader is welcome to empathize in any way their imagination may understand the story or the character in order to help understand how it feels to be someone else or in another’s situation.”

Browne was asked an interesting question, “What is his advice as to how to engage with physical books?” I have to admit that I was quite surprised to hear that question. I am of the pre-Internet generation, as is Mr. Browne. Our generation grew up on books. We did not have to learn how to interact or engage with them. Browne did not flinch when asked this question. His very good advice was to read books out loud, talk about the story to engage the children in conversation and to try to “extend” the story by asking what might happen next? I, personally, was impressed with Browne’s very down-to-earth appreciation of children as creative little individuals. Never talk down to a child. Find a way to allow them to follow their curiosity. I’ve been an educator of young children for many years. Children have a natural ability for creativity that should be supported and encouraged. Browne’s advice for young aspiring illustrators? They should draw as much as possible, look at other people’s paintings and works, and read as much as possible. “Everything comes from somewhere,” Browne said. “They will develop their own style. Use your eyes and notice as much as you can. Trust your instincts and yourself. If you’ve got a good idea – then it’s a good idea!”

Asked about when he feels most accomplished, Anthony answered, “When I hear a child read with excitement”. How would he like to be remembered in the future? “As truthful, as one who does not talk down to children, and as long living!”

A final message from the author & illustrator is to “come see the exhibition and the musical. Encourage everyone. Go in with open eyes and open minds. Look at details, relax at what is going on. Don’t forget the books and the framed pictures. Go home and read books and talk about the books and the pictures. Encourage having conversations with your children. We are all creative. Children should be encouraged more to be naturally creative. Children are brilliant, adults too, when left to their own and not pressured to be like anyone else”.

I could not agree more! Do not miss this opportunity to be part of Anthony Browne’s world.