Kjell Ringi IV

As you probably realise from the last few weeks posts, I am involved in researching vintage children's books. 

One of the major discoveries of the last few weeks has been the work of Swedish artist Kjell Ringi. My research has lead to a flurry of purchases as well, and I just took delivery of; 'My Father and I' written by Adelaide Holl and illustrated by Kjell Ringi and it has blown me away with its wonderful psychedelic, intensely vibrant illustrations and metallic detailing. 

The story is about a boy walking with his father, imagining different fantastic things his father could do, but in the end being happy that his father has time to spend walking with him and holding his hand. 

As in 'The Magic Stick' Kjell has married the monochromatic linear drawings of reality with blasts of dynamic colour in the child's imagined scenarios.

Next spring 'The Stranger'  by Kjell Ringi is going to be re-published by Bruaá editora. 

Kjell Ringi III

The Magic Stick (1968) by Kjell Ringi shows the imagination of a young boy who has found a stick, and what, in his mind's eye, that stick allows him to do. A beautiful concept where the ordinary day of the boy is rendered in line and then his imagination is in full colour across the page.

Kjell Ringi II

Of the Kjell Ringi books that I can find, the main characters always appear to have this pop art style moustache. In this book the illustrations have character focus with lots of  uncluttered space on the page and have the drawing quality of wax crayon. The exchange between characters also takes place across the divide of the gutter on double page spreads and the book is wordless except for an explanation at the start.
These illustrations are from 'The Winner' published in 1968.

Kjell Ringi I

The Stranger: A Modern Fable by Kjell Ringi (1939-2010) was published by Random House in 1968. Kjell Ringi was a Swedish artist, graphic designer, sculptor and writer who published many delightful children's books in the late 1960's and early 1970's.