Slovakia – “llustrators for Gianni Rodari. Italian Excellence”
The celebration of the centenary of Gianni Rodari’s birth is continuing around the world, after the forced stop of many events due to the pandemic.
On last March 30, in Ružomberok, opening of the exhibition llustrators for Gianni Rodari. Italian Excellence, created by Bologna Children’s Book Fair and Emilia-Romagna Region on the occasion of the anniversary, and already successfully presented in over 30 locations around the world.
The exhibition, running until April 25, is promoted by the Faculty of Education of the Catholic University in Ruzomberok and organized in co-operation with the Italian Cultural Institute in Bratislava.
Illustrators for Gianni Rodari, curated by Giannino Stoppani Cooperativa Culturale / Accademia Drosselmeier, presents the works by twenty-one Italian illustrators who have re-interpreted Rodari’s stories in the last fifty years, ranging from historic figures and famous contemporary artists to the younger generation: Bruno Munari, Emanuele Luzzati, Altan, Beatrice Alemagna, Alessandro Sanna, Manuel Fior, just to name a few, great artists who have dialogued with one of the most beloved and innovative children’s authors.
The setting in Ruzomberok is enriched with sections presenting Rodari in the Slovakian context: the Slovak editions of various books by Rodari and the animated film Star Taxi by multi-awarded authors Igor Derevenec and Juraj Krumpolec, besides the translations of some of Rodari’s tales made by the students of the bilingual Italian-Slovak High School “L. Saru” in Bratislava just on the occasion of the anniversary.
In the poster, a quote from the beautiful Rodari’s poem Promemoria, a reminder against war.
We want to point out this specific detail to remember that during these dramatic weeks of war, another poem by Rodari that praises peace and brotherhood has become 'viral': La luna di Kiev. So, Einaudi Ragazzi publishing house has decided to re-publish it in a new graphics, illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna (one of the ‘Italian excellences’ displayed in the exhibition) and released on April 12. The proceeds from the sales will be entirely given to the Italian Red Cross for the emergency in Ukraine.