The purest, simplest of forms or the playful Seletti bird? One thing that’s certain is that this time of year calls for some serious light sources.
“Were it not for shadows, there would be no beauty” Jun’ichirō Tanizaki concludes in his classic essay In Praise of Shadows. A tiny book of 50+ pages that that has inspired architects, designers and artists from all over the world.
“Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Black is lazy and easy – but mysterious. Black says this: “I don’t bother you – don’t bother me” – Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto walks his own path. Dressed in black.
Low-key images, backlight, long shadows and silhouettes. Neo-noir has all the elements of the classic film noir genre of the 1940s. Dark, cynical and apocalyptic. Kind of like a Swedish November.
It’s not a book for sissies. Maybe not even for children, some has argued. But regardless; The Brothers Lionheart remains a beloved classic and Jesper Waldersten´s illustrations infuses new layers of darkness to the story.