A testament to the enduring power of children’s book art – where storytelling, culture, and emotion intertwine.
Exploring the cultural and emotional resonance of children’s book illustration
Estonia: Running since 9 May and winding up 10 August, Tallinn’s Telliskivi Creative City Gallery hosts “Echoes! Contemporary Illustration in Children’s Literature”, an exhibition celebrating the imaginative power of Nordic and Baltic illustrators.
Curated by Estonian artist Ulla Saar, the showcase brings together over 30 illustrators from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland, offering a vibrant exploration of visual storytelling in children’s books.
A Tapestry of Styles and Themes
The exhibition highlights both emerging and established artists, including Akvilė Magicdust, Anete Melece, Kristin Roskifte, and Rebeka Lukošus, whose works span delicate sketches to bold digital compositions.
Each piece, per the press release, reflects contemporary interpretations of identity, memory, nature, and childhood, demonstrating how illustration transcends age – speaking to both young readers and adults with nostalgic yet fresh perspectives.
Saar explains her curatorial vision: “I wanted to bring together voices from across the Baltic and Nordic states because, while the visual styles vary, the themes and emotions are surprisingly aligned.”
Originally titling the show Nordic States of Illustration, she plays on the idea that despite borders, shared cultural undercurrents connect these regions.
Context matters: Books as Artifacts
Unlike traditional gallery displays, Echoes! presents illustrations alongside their original books, allowing visitors to engage with the artwork in its intended form.
“Children’s book illustration is so much about context – tearing images out removes that,” Saar notes. “I wanted visitors to touch the books, read them, and see how the illustration functions within the story.”
Illustration as a Cultural Mirror
Saar, a veteran illustrator with over a decade at the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, sees the medium as deeply personal. “The name Echoes! comes from the idea that everything I create for children today echoes back to my own childhood,” she says.
Beyond nostalgia, she believes children’s books play a crucial role in shaping societal values. “The first books to respond to big global events are often children’s books—they’re faster to produce, more affordable, and speak to all ages.”
Breaking Boundaries in an Unconventional Space
Held in Telliskivi Creative City, Tallinn’s hub for alternative culture, the exhibition deliberately steps outside traditional art spaces. “I wanted to meet people who might not think they’re interested in illustration,” Saar explains, ensuring the works reach a broader audience.
Following its Tallinn run, Echoes! will travel to Vilnius in 2026, continuing its journey as a testament to the enduring power of children’s book art – where storytelling, culture, and emotion intertwine.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
