Is it possible to transcribe the heart of a city through images? Over the past year, two illustrators have collected drawings for children and professionals in Le Havre, as well as archives. Their goal: to create a picture book of the city of Le Havre in 37 words and to thank hundreds of children.
The city of Le Havre, represented by children. This is the new project carried out by the graffiti collective. They make the maritime city benefit from their know-how: the creation of illustrated books from children’s drawings. And this time, the techniques used are slightly different.
This time we will mix the children’s drawings made during the workshops that have taken place in recent months with the drawings of fifteen professional illustrators. All combined with photos of the heritage of Le Havre.
Augustin Manaranche, member of the Graffitigre duo
A hell of confusion that takes place in Oscar Niemeyer’s media library in Le Havre.
And to get there it took time and many small hands. The picture book is the result of a year’s work and assembly of 3000 drawings Of children.
For us these designs have a real graphic force. It is the spontaneity and precision of children that make the difference. Adults tend to erect barriers. Children go above and beyond, it’s just great.
Alisée Bayssa, member of the Graffitigre duo
A smile on the lips, a glint in the eyes, adds Alisée Bayssa. “It is essential for us to show that children also have things to teach adults.”
The drawings were collected during the workshops. Of the keyword evoking Le Havre are given to small children.
Inspiration does the rest. At the origin of this project, the network of libraries in the city.
In all, we sent 37 words. The idea was to immerse the little participants in their own environment. These are words that seem as obvious as pebbles … but we also have ice cream or even the chimneys of the thermal power plant. Not necessarily the easiest, but we also enjoyed it.
Nathalie Beaufort-Lamy, coordinator of mediation and planning
If you want to discover this fantastic picture book, you can go on Oscar Niemeyer media library or on website of the project.
