On Friday, November 3rd, at the Estonian Museum of Architecture, the most influential illustration event in the Nordic countries will open its doors. This triennial, born in 2003 in Baltic Sea countries, has grown into an initiative involving 26 countries with the participation of 82 artists.
On the opening day of the triennial, this year’s grand prix and diploma recipients will be announced by the international jury, with TIT’s jury chairman, Dr. Ali Boozari, participating in the awards ceremony. Additionally, artists will be recognized with various special prizes.
The curator of the triennial, Viive Noor, shares, “The triennial provides a rare and excellent opportunity to see the work of book artists in its authentic form. By just looking at the exhibition, we understand how images in books can differ from the originals created by the artists themselves. Printing technology always intervenes in the book. The exhibition features many distinctive styles, recognized creators of different ages, and a variety of styles, plus national colorfulness – these could be the keywords for the triennial. Whether it’s classical old-school illustration or trend-following youthful boldness, everything has its place. The triennial includes top artists from many European countries, as well as Canada and the USA. This time, artists from Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and South Africa, with a very unique and highly interesting illustration art based on strong national foundations, add exoticism.”
The triennial tradition includes introducing the audience to the work of the previous TIT grand prize winner. In the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre gallery, there is an exhibition of the personal work of Mexican artist Amanda Mijangos titled “Learn to Look, Learn to Say.” In Latin America, illustration art strongly relies on national traditions, reflecting the color and atmosphere of the country. Amanda Mijangos’ work draws on the Mayan heritage but tells the story in a contemporary visual language. Her works have been featured in several editions of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair illustration exhibition. In addition to the Tallinn Illustration Triennial grand prize, Amanda Mijangos has been recognized with a 2nd place at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival illustration exhibition, a Golden Apple at the Bratislava Illustration Biennial, and as the winner of the VIII Iberoamerica Illustra catalog.
The exhibitions will remain open until December 3, 2023.
The exhibition designer for TIT is Mae Kivilo. The organizers are the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, the Estonian Association of Graphic Designers, and the National Library of Estonia. The triennial is supported by the City of Tallinn, the Ministry of Culture, the Estonian Cultural Endowment, the Estonian Museum of Architecture, and the Estonian Publishers Association.
Additional information:
Viive Noor
TIT Curator, Estonian Association of Graphic Designers
viivenoor@gmail.com, +372 5557 9930
Triin Soone
Director of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre
triin.soone@elk.ee, +372 5919 0363
