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Publication Date
12-1-2021
Keywords
artists' books, Baker & Whitehill
Disciplines
Book and Paper
Student Status
Undergraduate student
Year of Graduation
2027
Major
BRDD, Experimental and Foundation Studies
Faculty / Course
Martie Holmer, Design 1 EFS
Materials + Techniques
watercolor and ink on paper and chipboard
Student Narrative
Mimicking the style and format of popular children's alphabet books, I wanted to draw the viewer into the book assuming it is simply a lighthearted picture book about animals, one animal for each letter of the alphabet. However, as the reader flips through the book, the animals begin deteriorating the alphabet progresses until all that is left is animal bones at letter P for "polar bear". The alphabet is cut short to represent the loss of endangered species due to human neglect and abuse of animals and the planet. Then, letter U represents "us" to end the book on a startling note and highlight how human error and carelessness ultimate hurts not only other species but ourselves as well. I wanted to exaggerate this dark progression as the reader flips through the alphabet to shock the reader and defy the common expectations of a children's picture book. This progression in the way the book begins and the note on which it ends is also highlighted in the contrast between the front and back covers as well.
Photo Credit
Hannah Nigro, PH 2023
Recommended Citation
Hogue, Alex; Collections, Special; and Library, Fleet, "(endangered) Animals on Earth A to Z" (2021). 8th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest 2022. 12.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/bookcontest8th2022/12