• 2018-09-27

On the afternoon of June 30, 2018, the opening ceremony for “Touch Your Dreams,” an exhibition of the work of Czech Illustrator Tomáš Řízek, was held in the Briefing Room at the National Central Library (NCL). Attending the opening ceremony were Representative Václav Jílek of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office, Mr. Martin Torres, head of the Mexican Trade Services Documentation and Culture Office, and Prof. Lo Ching.

Tomáš Řízek is a well-known contemporary Czech illustrator who has illustrated over 50 children’s books, including editions of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, and Grimm’s Tales. He has been awarded the Italian Hans Christian Anderson Prize for his work. His lively and colorful picture book illustrations make use of a special painting medium known as egg tempera, which uses egg yolk. Mr. Řízek has also illustrated books of indigenous Taiwanese stories, such as Atayal Warriors’ Journey and Lukai Pearl.  

Around 40 of the artist’s illustrations featuring a variety of brush techniques were on display at the exhibition, of which the majority were illustrations of indigenous stories. During the opening ceremony, Mr. Řízek also presented a piece called “Moon Mirror” to the NCL, which was accepted by Director-General Tseng on behalf of the library. After the opening ceremony had concluded, Mr. Řízek gave a personal guided tour of his works to those attending. He then led a painting workshop in Conference Room 301 of the library, in which he demonstrated watercolor and egg tempera painting techniques. In a room that was filled to capacity, the enthusiastic exchanges between Mr. Řízek and the attendees provided the perfect conclusion the event.