“The Experimental Art of Russian Children’s Book,” a new exhibition opening tonight in New York and running through June 7, offers a unique opportunity for U.S. visitors to see originals of classic kids’ books from Moscow. Included are historic books from prominent New York collections, experimental letters, and graphic constructions of the famous EDAS studio, which are prized not just for their quality but because of the age of their creators—from 3 to 16 years old.
The organizers say the goal of the exhibition is to show that experimental forms continue to be a preoccupation of illustrated children’s books in Russia today. The exhibition also touches on the influence of the early avant-garde and constructivism, and notes that the books affected not just childhood development but wider propaganda efforts.
The show is located at 172 Duane Street, in New York, and is part of the Read Russia 2012 initiative at the BookExpo America.
