• 2017-03-20

        In an effort to promote the reading of and art in illustrated books, on March 18 the NCL invited renowned Japanese illustrator Takeshi Matsumoto, who is also the creator of the first illustration gallery in the world, to speak on the “World History of Illustration Art.” The speech included the origins and development of illustration and its meaning to people. 

        Mr. Matsumoto stated illustration is a doorway that not only can lead people into the world of art but also into the world of literature. When reading illustrated books and looking for clues in the illustrations, readers can discover seasons, temperature, time, sound, smells, etc. The story unfolds through this interpretation and imagination. This is the way to read illustrated books—taking the time to notice the details of the illustrations, and from the details let one’s imagination be sparked.