BOOK | "Miffy and Matisse": Viewing Masterpieces with Miffy

BOOK | The second installment focuses on Matisse, who inspired Dick Bruna's picture book creation

Viewing Masterpieces with Miffy: 'Miffy and Matisse'

The second book in the 'Let's Talk About Art with Children' series, 'Miffy and Matisse,' has been published by Bijutsu Shuppan. This installment invites readers to view famous artworks alongside Miffy, a beloved character for both children and adults. The theme this time is Matisse's paper cutouts. A journey through art with Miffy begins once more.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Miffy Travels Through Matisse's Colorful Paper Cutouts

'Miffy' was created by Dutch artist Dick Bruna. With her simple lines, bold colors, honest and kind heart, childlike innocence, and direct gaze, Miffy continues to be loved worldwide.

And following'Miffy and Vermeer'released the year before last, the second installment, 'Miffy and Matisse,' has now been created. This time, Miffy embarks on a journey through the world of French painter Henri Matisse (1986-1954), whose paper cutout art inspired Dick Bruna, Miffy's creator, to make picture books.

Henri Matisse captivated audiences with his beautiful colors and dynamic paintings. In his later years, due to declining physical strength, he turned to paper cutouts. His innovative style, akin to seeing with the 'mind's eye,' combined with the mastery of an artist who had honed his expressive power for years, resulted in colorful works that remain highly popular today.

Graphic designer Atsuki Kikuchi and copywriter Mika Kunii, who also worked on the previous book, have recreated Matisse's world through a child's eyes. Sophisticated visuals and humorous words intertwine.

'Miffy and Matisse' is a book that children will enjoy being read to, and adults will also find delightful. It connects Miffy's illustrations with Matisse's paper cutouts, offering a new encounter with art from a child's perspective.

"© Mercis bv"