• 2015-05-04

The National Central Library (NCL) collaborated with the Slovak Economic and Cultural Office in organizing the “Slovak Writers’ Magical-world Illustrations: BIB (Biennale of Illustrations Bratislava) Winners Featured Roving Exhibition”. The opening ceremony was held at the NCL on May 4. From then until December 27, 28 winning illustrations of the BIB by Slovakian writers and 17 titles of illustrated books will be on display on a rotating basis at the following locations: NCL, National Library of Public Information, Kaohsiung Public Library, and Hualien County Cultural Affairs Bureau. Therefore Taiwanese readers and friends may have the opportunity to see the internationally renowned children’s illustrated works.

BIB is one of the oldest international honours for children's book illustrators. It is organized by BIBIANA – International House of Art for Children and sponsored by UNESCO and the Ministry of Culture, Slovakia. Artists are selected by an international jury, and their original artwork is exhibited in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Slovakia is located in Central Europe. It still retains many medieval landscape and architecture. It has a rich cultural and artistic tradition, it has also many popular and interesting legends and myths. These are very important Slovak illustrators’ creative source of inspiration. Slovakia attaches great importance to the art and provides a considerable space for artists to be creative, whether in traditional music, dance, or art. They are quite famous in the world. They enjoy an important cultural finesse in the world scale.

During Director General Shu-hsien Tseng’s remarks, she noted that the works exhibited consist of many familiar story books, such as “Alice in Wonderland”, Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “Thumbelina”, “The Little Mermaid”, and many others. Through this exhibition, it not only allows more people in Taiwan to know Slovakia’s rich traditional culture and art, one can also see the world classic fairy tales. We hope that through these fine children's picture books and illustration, visitors may be provoked to unleash unlimited imagination and creativity, and be able to interpret the illustrators’ implied meaning.

Director General Tseng also encourage schools, parents to bring their children to come and give the child a different art experience, to read together the fairy tale from other parts of the world, and to come in contact with different cultures. In order to encourage more children to come together to visit, the NCL has issued a public document to the greater Taipei area primary schools and kindergartens to arrange field trips to come and visit.

Together, let us find joy in looking for familiar stories, let us find a new meaning in these illustrations, let us explore the interesting stories from other cultural background. Let us find again and get in touch with the “child” in each one of us to see the world, the people, the events with awe and wonder!

Representative Mr. Michal Kovac of the Slovak Economic and Cultural Office, who spearheaded this joint exhibition, especially thanked the NCL’s support in his opening remarks for the opportunity to have award winning illustrations from Slovakia displayed in many locations in Taiwan, showing the creative energy and artistic culture of Slovakia. He invited all to enter this fantasy world.

In order to help the public gain a greater appreciation for Slovakian culture, the opening ceremony invited a scholar who has researched Slovakian and Czech culture, as well as a student from Slovakia in Taiwan. They explained to visitors the content of the works on display, common Czech characters and objects used, which seemed to float in midair. They also expounded on the awards and characteristics of the illustrators on display. Not only did this enable those in attendance greater understanding of Slovakian history, their tradition of brewing alcohol, the Bratislava Castle in its capital city, and their water-sprinkling festival, it also afforded them an amazing experience with Slovakian art culture.

Director General Tseng with Mr. & Mrs. Michal Kovac, as well as Deputy Representative Mr. Patrik Kravec of the Slovak Economic and Cultural Office.

Introducing the distinguished guests at the opening ceremony

Remarks by Director General Tseng

Remarks by Representative Mr. Michal Kovac

Introducing the content of the works on display

The student from Slovakia in Taiwan Mr. Marko Podstavek shares the Slovakian traditional fairy tale.

Director General Tseng and the distinguished guests cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

At the Exhibition