Migrations: Open Hearts, Open Borders

Picture book illustrators from all over the world sent original images and personal messages in postcard form for the Migrations exhibition at the Biennial of Illustration, Bratislava, in 2017. Over fifty of the cards are reproduced in this special book, divided into themes of Departures, Long Journeys, Arrivals, and Hope for the Future. The facsimile postcard text includes personal messages of hope from the illustrators, as well as quotes from writers. Illustrators include Christopher Corr, Marie-Louise Gay, Piet Grobler, Petr Horacek, Isol, Jon Klassen, Neal Layton, PJ Lynch, Roger Mello, Jackie Morris, Jane Ray, Chris Riddell, Axel Scheffler, and Shaun Tan. Migrations carries a powerful message about human migration, showing how cultures, ideas, and aspirations flow despite borders, barriers, and bans.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2019
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books Ltd

From all corners of the globe, picture book illustrators sent original images and heartfelt messages, in the form of postcards, for the Migrations exhibition at the Biennial of Illustration in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 2017. Curated by the University of Worcester's International Centre for the Picture Book in Society, this special book features over fifty reproduced postcards. The book is organized into four themes: Departures, Long Journeys, Arrivals, and Hope for the Future. The facsimile postcard text includes personal messages of hope from the illustrators, along with quotes from renowned writers such as Emily Dickinson, WB Yeats, John Clare, and Anita Desai. Additionally, Robert Macfarlane has crafted a poem specially for the postcard drawn by Jackie Morris.

The illustrators behind Migrations are a diverse group, including Christopher Corr, Marie-Louise Gay, Piet Grobler, Petr Horacek, Isol, Jon Klassen, Neal Layton, PJ Lynch, Roger Mello, Jackie Morris, Jane Ray, Chris Riddell, Axel Scheffler, and Shaun Tan. In total, illustrators from 28 countries have contributed to this powerful exhibition.

Migrations carries a profound message about human migration, highlighting how cultures, ideas, and aspirations transcend borders, barriers, and bans. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of people who embark on journeys to new places, seeking a better life and a brighter future. Through their illustrations, the artists convey the complexities and emotions associated with migration, capturing the hopes, fears, and experiences of those who travel across continents and oceans.

This special book not only showcases the talent and creativity of the illustrators but also serves as a valuable tool for education and awareness about the global issue of human migration. It encourages empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse cultures and backgrounds that make up our world. Migrations reminds us that we are all connected, regardless of our differences, and that our shared humanity should be celebrated and respected.

In conclusion, Migrations is a remarkable exhibition and book that showcases the power of visual storytelling to convey important messages and inspire empathy and understanding. Through the illustrations and personal messages of the illustrators, it provides a glimpse into the lives of migrants and the challenges they face. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in human migration, culture, and the power of art to make a difference.

Weight: 296g
Dimension: 142 x 192 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910959800